Climate Change and Human Health: Understanding the Risks of Heat Stress, Air Pollution, and Infectious Diseases

Climate change poses unprecedented threats to human health through multiple interconnected pathways. This literature review synthesizes current scientific evidence on three primary mechanisms linking climate change to adverse health outcomes: heat stress, air pollution, and infectious diseases. A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Thirty high-quality studies were identified and critically appraised using standardized quality assessment criteria. Evidence demonstrates that rising global temperatures increase heat-related morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations. Climate-driven changes in meteorological patterns exacerbate air pollution episodes, with implications for respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Temperature and precipitation changes alter infectious disease transmission dynamics, potentially expanding geographic ranges of vector-borne and waterborne diseases. The health impacts of climate change are distributed unequally, with disproportionate effects on low-income populations, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions. Adaptation strategies including heat-health action plans, improved air quality management, and enhanced disease surveillance, combined with aggressive climate mitigation, represent essential responses to protect human health. This review underscores the urgent need for coordinated, multisectoral action to address climate-related health risks and advance health equity in a changing climate.