Climate change and paediatric health outcomes: implications for primary care practice

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant determinant of child health worldwide, affecting nearly every aspect of paediatric well-being through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Children are vulnerable due to their developing physiology, higher metabolic demands, and limited capacity to adapt to environmental stressors. Rising global temperatures, worsening air quality, extreme weather events, and disruptions in food and water systems contribute to an expanding spectrum of paediatric health consequences. These include heat-related illnesses, respiratory and allergic disorders, vector-borne infections, nutritional deficiencies, and psychosocial effects such as climate anxiety. In addition to physical health risks, displacement, food insecurity, and community disruption exacerbate disparities in child health outcomes.  Paediatricians and primary care providers occupy a critical frontline role in recognizing climate-sensitive health conditions, integrating anticipatory guidance into routine visits, and advocating for family-centered adaptation and mitigation strategies. This review synthesizes current evidence on the health impacts of climate change in children, outlines the clinical and public-health implications for primary care, and identifies research priorities and practice recommendations to strengthen resilience within paediatric systems of care. Addressing climate change as a child health crisis requires collaboration among clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers to safeguard the well-being of future generations.