Climate change as a threat multiplier to environmental reproductive justice

Emily B Weaver; Laila Gad; Ami R Zota

doi:10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151843

Climate change as a threat multiplier to environmental reproductive justice

Semin Perinatol. 2023 Dec;47(8):151843. doi: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151843. Epub 2023 Oct 10.

Authors

Emily B Weaver¹, Laila Gad¹, Ami R Zota²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Environmental Health Sciences Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University New York NY 10032 United States.
² Department of Environmental Health Sciences Mailman School of Public Health Columbia University New York NY 10032 United States. Electronic address: arz2124@cumc.columbia.edu.

PMID: 37839904
PMCID: PMC10841484 (available on 2024-12-01)
DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151843

Abstract

Legacies of racial capitalism and colonialism drive present day racial disparities in perinatal health outcomes. Climate change amplifies existing social inequalities associated with environmental exposures and reproductive health, of which BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities bear a disproportionate burden. Through case studies, this article summarizes three examples of climate justice issues with reproductive healthcare outcomes: traffic related air pollution exposure, chemical exposures in personal care products and plastics, and natural disaster frequency. We advocate for incorporation of climate justice and environmental health impact into medical school curriculum, increased prenatal screening for environmental toxins, and physician engagement with local environmental issues.

Keywords: Air Pollution; Climate Change; Environmental Justice; Natural Disaster; Personal Care Products; Pregnancy Outcomes; Reproductive Justice.

MeSH terms

Climate Change*
Environmental Exposure* / adverse effects
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
Racial Groups
Social Justice
Socioeconomic Factors

Grants and funding

P30 ES009089/ES/NIEHS NIH HHS/United States