Impact of Climate Change on Children’s Brain Development

A new study published in Nature Climate Change by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) indicates that climate change significantly impacts children’s brain development, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The research highlights that early exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to lasting alterations in the brain’s white matter, which is crucial for brain communication. The study focused on 2,681 children aged 9 to 12 from the Generation R cohort in Rotterdam, finding that exposure to cold during pregnancy and the first year of life, as well as heat exposure up to age three, is linked to slower white matter maturation. This vulnerability is exacerbated in impoverished areas due to poor housing conditions and energy poverty. Potential mechanisms for these effects include disturbed sleep, altered placental functions, and increased stress levels.