Page 71 - GHES-3-2

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Climate change and quality of life

focused on the effects of climate change indicators such Tol, 2009). A key assumption is that climate change indeed
as carbon dioxide (CO ) and methane emissions, PM2.5 has an adverse effect on quality of life. Therefore, our
2
air pollution (Ganbat et al., 2020; Huang et al., 2021; Lin research question is:
et al., 2020; Shekhovtsov et al., 2023), annual freshwater What are some of the key influencers/drivers in the
withdrawals (Potemkina et al., 2018), and others on quality relationship between climate change and quality of
of life variables, including mortality rates, immunization life, at a country level?
against measles, school enrollment, gross domestic
product (GDP) growth, and unemployment, among others The insights gained from this research can be used to
(Apergis & Majeed, 2021; Ding et al., 2014; Platagea et al., shape strategies by governments and non-governmental
2019; Semenza, 2014; Testa & Simonson, 1996; Theofilou, organizations to increase resilience against climate
2013; van Daalen et al., 2022). impacts toward quality of life. This research contributes
significantly to academic discourse and practical discussion
The analysis of direct impacts helps identify vulnerable on sustainable development. It offers new perspectives for
populations and critical areas requiring immediate adapting to climate change and fighting it. Understanding
attention. Beyond direct effects, climate change triggers the interdependencies between climate change and
a series of indirect consequences through environmental quality of life is pivotal for crafting resilient economic,
degradation (Kannan & James, 2009; Pecl et al., 2017). education, environmental, and public health policies while
These include, for example, increased greenhouse simultaneously reducing climate change (Frumkin et al.,
gas (GHG) emissions which affect public health and 2008; Lorenzoni & Pidgeon, 2006; Rocque et al., 2021).
socioeconomic stability (Bell et al., 2008; Doherty et al., Unpacking the association between climate change and
2017; Evans, 2019; Gavurova et al., 2021; Hassan et al., quality of life data informs sustainable economic growth
2016; IPCC, 2023; Kinney, 2008; Orru et al., 2017; Spickett models and global climate agreements (Creutzig et al., 2018;
et al., 2011). Understanding these chain reactions is Karl et al., 2009; Kravchenko, 2007). Identifying which
essential for developing holistic and sustained climate quality of life variables are most sensitive to climate change
resilience strategies (Stern, 2006; 2007). The concept helps prioritize resource allocation and international aid
of quality of life encompasses many aspects of human (Adger et al., 2022; Erickson, 2017; McMichael, 2009). To
experience, including economic, physical, and social well- date, there are very few empirical studies to examine the
being (Barcaccia, 2013a; Barcaccia et al., 2013b; Gerson, association between climate change and quality of life. This
1976; Kerce, 1992; Nussbaum & Sen, 1993; Owczarek, exploratory study employs visualization to offer an initial
2010; Schipper et al., 1996). analysis into the topic.
Climate change has a profound impact on, for example, The rest of the paper is organized as follows: Section 2
climate policies that aim to reduce CO emissions, possibly offers a background discussion for the study. Section 3
2
influencing access to electricity due to the use of fossil discusses the methodology, followed by Section 4 which
fuels in the generation of electricity (IPCC, 2023). Climate covers the analysis of the results. Section 5 offers a
change can also compound the difficulty to get adequate comprehensive discussion. Section 6 offers the scope and
immunization because of the spread of diseases (Semenza, limitations. Section 7 provides conclusions with directions
2014; Balbus& Malina, 2009; Beniston, 2002; Haines for future research. Finally, section 8 provides implications
& Patz, 2004; Kovats et al., 1999; Martens et al., 1997; and recommendations.
McMichael, 2009; Wong, 2024). Climate-related food- and
water-borne disease risks could increase mortality rates, 2. Climate change and quality of life
especially for children under five (Green et al., 2011; Climate change refers to long-term alterations in
Taylor et al., 2013). The number of students enrolled in temperature and weather patterns. While these changes
school may be affected if families prioritize short-term can occur naturally, such as through variations in solar
survival over educational opportunities (Anderson, 2010). activity or significant volcanic eruptions, human activities
Climate change could also have a significant impact on have been the dominant cause since the 1800s. This is
food production (IPCC, 2023). The current study provides largely due to the burning of fossil fuels, including coal,
critical insights into how climate change affects quality oil, and gas (Evans, 2019; IPCC, 2023; Levy & Patz,
of life variables across different countries and regions. By 2015; United Nations, 2023). Burning fossil fuels releases
studying various socioeconomic factors such as health, GHGs that function, such as a blanket around the Earth,
education, and economic stab, researchers can gain an trapping heat from the sun, and causing temperatures to
understanding of the broader economic and social impacts rise. The primary GHGs driving climate change are CO
2
(Alborz, 2017; Newman & Noy, 2023; Thomas et al., 2014; and methane (Abbas et al., 2023; Ding & Nunes, 2014;

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 63 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.5018