Weather shocks, climate change and human health

We examine the effect of short-run weather shocks and long-run climate change on a variety of national health outcomes for a sample of 170 countries between 1960 and 2016. We find that changing climate conditions – especially in the form of increasing temperatures – lead to health losses (e.g., increased infant mortality and lower life expectancy) both in the short and long run. The adverse effect of increasing temperatures is much more strongly felt in relatively poor countries, indicating that these countries are more vulnerable. Predicted health losses in poor countries due to weather shocks and climate change have already been substantial. Future health losses especially in less developed countries will likely also be considerable unless adequate adaptation and mitigation efforts are undertaken.