Context:
A new regional study warns that the combined impact of extreme heat and high humidity significantly increases the risk of child stunting in South Asia. With climate change intensifying hot-humid conditions, millions more children in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal could face impaired physical and cognitive development by mid-century, making this a critical issue of climate justice and public health.
Key Highlights:
Study Findings and Evidence Base:
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Researchers analysed health and climate records of nearly 2 lakh children across:
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Bangladesh
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India
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Nepal
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Exposure to hot and humid weather was linked to a four times greater decline in children’s height-for-age scores compared to exposure to heat alone.
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The study controlled for:
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Seasonal variations
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Community-level differences
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This strengthens the causal link between hot-humid stress and impaired child growth.
Climate Change Projections:
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Climate models estimate that by 2050, hot-humid conditions could result in:
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30–37 lakh additional stunted children in South Asia
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Indicates that climate change will worsen existing nutritional and health vulnerabilities.
Why Stunting Matters:
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Stunting refers to impaired growth due to chronic malnutrition and repeated infections.
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Impacts include:
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Reduced cognitive development
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Poor educational outcomes
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Lower adult productivity
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Higher disease susceptibility
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Thus, stunting becomes not only a health issue but also an economic and developmental challenge.
Mechanisms Linking Climate to Stunting:
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Hot-humid stress may worsen child growth through:
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Reduced appetite and nutrient absorption
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Higher incidence of diarrhoeal diseases
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Heat stress in pregnant mothers affecting foetal growth
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Declining food security due to crop stress
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Policy Significance:
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Findings highlight the urgency for climate-sensitive nutrition and health interventions.
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Protecting children from climate impacts is central to achieving:
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SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)
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SDG 3 (Good Health)
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SDG 13 (Climate Action)
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Rising child stunting linked to combined heat and humidity exposure.
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Key Data:
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2 lakh children studied
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30–37 lakh additional stunted children projected by 2050
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Definition:
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Stunting: Impaired growth from poor nutrition, infections, and inadequate care
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Impact:
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Long-term human capital loss in South Asia
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Static + Conceptual Linkages:
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Climate change affects health through nutrition pathways
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Vulnerable groups: children, pregnant women, poor households
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Keywords:
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Climate Justice, Human Capital, Heat Stress, Nutrition Security
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Way Forward:
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Climate-resilient public health planning
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Strengthen ICDS, POSHAN Abhiyaan with climate focus
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Improve WASH infrastructure to prevent infections
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Heat action plans integrating child nutrition and maternal health
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 1: Geography, climatic vulnerability of South Asia
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GS 2: Social justice, child welfare, public health
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GS 3: Climate change impacts, environment and development
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Prelims: Stunting definition, climate-health linkage