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The burden of heatwave-related preterm births and associated human capital losses in China

Author

Listed:
  • Yali Zhang

    (Sun Yat-sen University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Shakoor Hajat

    (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)

  • Liang Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huiqi Chen

    (Sun Yat-sen University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Liangliang Cheng

    (Sun Yat-sen University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Meng Ren

    (Sun Yat-sen University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Kuiying Gu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • John S. Ji

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Wannian Liang

    (Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University)

  • Cunrui Huang

    (Sun Yat-sen University
    Tsinghua University
    Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Frequent heatwaves under global warming can increase the risk of preterm birth (PTB), which in turn will affect physical health and human potential over the life course. However, what remains unknown is the extent to which anthropogenic climate change has contributed to such burdens. We combine health impact and economic assessment methods to comprehensively evaluate the entire heatwave-related PTB burden in dimensions of health, human capital and economic costs. Here, we show that during 2010-2020, an average of 13,262 (95%CI 6,962-18,802) PTBs occurred annually due to heatwave exposure in China. In simulated scenarios, 25.8% (95%CI 17.1%-34.5%) of heatwave-related PTBs per year on average can be attributed to anthropogenic climate change, which further result in substantial human capital losses, estimated at over $1 billion costs. Our findings will provide additional impetus for introducing more stringent climate mitigation policies and also call for more sufficient adaptations to reduce heatwave detriments to newborn.

Suggested Citation

  • Yali Zhang & Shakoor Hajat & Liang Zhao & Huiqi Chen & Liangliang Cheng & Meng Ren & Kuiying Gu & John S. Ji & Wannian Liang & Cunrui Huang, 2022. "The burden of heatwave-related preterm births and associated human capital losses in China," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-35008-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35008-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Joshua Graff Zivin & Solomon M. Hsiang & Matthew Neidell, 2018. "Temperature and Human Capital in the Short and Long Run," Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, University of Chicago Press, vol. 5(1), pages 77-105.
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    3. Villa, Kira M., 2017. "Multidimensional human capital formation in a developing country: Health, cognition and locus of control in the Philippines," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 27(PA), pages 184-197.
    4. Fishman, Ram & Carrillo, Paul & Russ, Jason, 2019. "Long-term impacts of exposure to high temperatures on human capital and economic productivity," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 221-238.
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