As part of the first steps of the MOUNTADAPT project, four partners conducted a comprehensive study and literature review on key focus areas within the impacts of climate change on human health and the health system. These findings will serve as the foundation for future research, helping to model the real-world impacts of climate change on health, and to guide the development of MOUNTADAPT solutions, ensuring science-driven strategies for adaptation. Across a series of three articles, we’ll look closely at the results in the four topics researched, covering the impacts of climate change on: non-communicable diseases, health in the Pyrenees mountains, health systems in mountain areas, and airborne allergens in Romania.
This first article covers the research by two partners into the impacts of climate change on non-communicable diseases, and the impacts of climate change on human health in the Pyrenees Mountain regions.
Effects of climate change on non-communicable diseases
The Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI) conducted an in-depth analysis of the impacts of climate-induced extreme weather events (EWEs) on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Their findings revealed both direct and indirect consequences, explored below.
Health impacts of extreme weather events
- Heatwaves significantly increase mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, while wildfires exacerbate respiratory conditions and mental health issues.
- Floods have lasting psychological effects, contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
- Droughts are linked to heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues, and heightened mental stress.
- Storms and dust storms aggravate cardiovascular and respiratory risks, along with mental health challenges.
Vulnerable populations at higher risk
Certain groups — particularly older adults, socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, and individuals with pre-existing conditions — are disproportionately affected by these climate-driven health risks.
Key knowledge gaps and research priorities
The study highlights several gaps in existing research:
- Heterogeneity in research: Inconsistencies in methods and definitions make it difficult to compare findings across regions.
- Underrepresented geographies: There is limited data from low- and middle-income countries and mountain regions, despite their heightened vulnerability.
- Limited understanding of causal pathways: The connections between specific EWEs and NCDs are not well explored.
- Interaction between multiple EWEs: Few studies consider how combined extreme weather events impact health.
- Mental health impacts: Research on the psychological and cognitive effects of climate events remains inconclusive.
MOUNTADAPT’s role in advancing research
To enhance the accuracy of its findings, HWWI will explore the use of direct climate indicators instead of proxies when measuring the health impacts of EWEs, depending on data availability. By integrating PAN-European health data with climate data, the goal is to establish clearer causal relationships.
Moving forward, HWWI will prioritise research on the most affected populations, particularly low-income communities, as well as mountain regions, which are the focus of the MOUNTADAPT project.
The impact of climate change on human health in the Pyrenees Mountain range
This section considers the second focus area: The observed impact of climate change on health in the Pyrenees Mountain range. The research conducted by the Working Community of the Pyrenees (Consorcio de la Comunidad de Trabajo de los Pirineos, CTP) found that health in the Pyrenees Mountain range is increasingly affected by worsened air quality, longer periods with the presence of allergens, new vector-borne disease risks, as well as heightened risk of gravitational hazards and infrastructure problems. Explore them in more depth below:
Longer allergen seasons and respiratory health effects
Rising temperatures are extending pollen seasons, particularly for ragweed, making allergens more potent and worsening respiratory conditions like asthma. This trend increases the burden on public health systems.
Declining air quality and lung disease risks
Climate change is increasing ozone and particulate matter levels in southern and central Europe, leading to more hospital admissions and higher mortality rates due to lung diseases.
New vector-borne disease threats
Higher temperatures and ecosystem changes are creating favorable conditions for disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks at higher altitudes. This expansion raises concerns about vector-borne diseases, particularly visceral and cutaneous forms, spreading into new areas like Andorra and French Ariège.
Increased mountain gravitational hazards
Rising temperatures, combined with intensive land use, are destabilizing slopes and thawing permafrost, increasing the risk of landslides and avalanches. This poses threats to transportation, water services, public safety, and tourism infrastructure, demanding urgent intervention and slope stability monitoring.
Compounded climate hazards
Extreme weather events—including wildfires, heatwaves, pollution, and changing precipitation patterns—are worsening health risks and damaging infrastructure. Vulnerability in the Pyrenees is growing, as more intense heatwaves contrast with limited access to essential services.
Key research gaps
The study identified several gaps in the existing literature:
- Lack of long-term, region-specific data on climate-induced health impacts, particularly regarding allergenic pollen.
- Limited aggregate data on the health effects of climate change in the Pyrenees bioregion.
- Scarcity of studies on the direct health consequences of climate change, such as the spread of sandflies and waterborne diseases.
- A need for further research on adaptation measures and solutions to protect health in vulnerable mountain regions.
How MOUNTADAPT will help
The MOUNTADAPT project aims to address these knowledge gaps by testing solutions in four demonstrator health systems, with plans to replicate them in additional regions, which will serve to generate new evidence on effective adaptation measures for health in mountain regions.
Read articles two and three to complete this series.
Stay tuned for more project news in 2025!
