Reduced physical activity due to global heating will lead to rise in health issues, study says
Researchers project that reduced activity could contribute to half a million additional premature deaths annually by 2050
TL;DR
- Rising temperatures due to global heating are making physical activity undesirable and dangerous.
- A study using data from 156 countries projects that by 2050, each additional month with an average temperature above 27.8C will increase physical inactivity globally by 1.5 percentage points.
- Physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health disorders, all of which shorten life expectancy.
- The study projects that increased physical inactivity could lead to about half a million additional premature deaths annually and significant productivity losses.
- Hotter regions like Central America, the Caribbean, eastern sub-Saharan Africa, and equatorial south-east Asia are projected to see the biggest increases in inactivity.
- The impact is expected to be greater in low and middle-income countries due to fewer resources for adaptation.
- Women may experience a larger increase in inactivity due to physiological differences and social factors.
- The findings suggest physical activity should be treated as a climate-sensitive public health issue, requiring policies that enable safe activity in hotter conditions.
- Solutions include designing cooler cities, providing affordable air-conditioned spaces for exercise, and clear advice on staying safe in extreme heat.