According to a new, large-scale scientific review, the simultaneous impact of toxic chemicals and climate change is causing a sharp deterioration in reproductive health globally.
The study indicates that the synergistic effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics and the climate crisis—specifically heat stress—is significantly reducing fertility in both humans and wildlife. Experts describe the scale of the damage as alarming, as it directly contributes to a record-breaking decline in birth rates worldwide.
The study’s authors highlight specific chemicals such as microplastics, bisphenol, phthalates, and so-called “forever chemicals” (PFAS). These substances disrupt hormonal balance and are directly linked to the degradation of sperm quality across various species, ranging from invertebrates to humans.
Earlier research also confirms that sperm counts among men in Western countries have plummeted by more than 50% over the last four decades, with industrial chemicals found in everyday consumer products playing a leading role.
In parallel, the rise in temperatures and decrease in oxygen levels caused by climate change are having an extremely negative impact on reproductive function. Scientists explain that heat stress inhibits the process of spermatogenesis in mammals. Furthermore, global warming disrupts evolutionary mechanisms in fish, reptiles, and amphibians, where temperature plays a crucial role in determining the sex of offspring.
Led by Susanne Brander, a researcher at Oregon State University, the scientists analyzed 177 different papers. The analysis clearly demonstrated that despite the well-studied nature of individual stressors, the risks of their simultaneous action have been previously undervalued.
According to the scientists, when an organism is simultaneously exposed to chemical and climatic pressures that produce identical harmful effects, the damage is compounded. Consequently, premature infertility and population decline occur at a much faster rate.
Independent experts fully share these concerns regarding synergistic threats and believe the problem requires an immediate response. Scientists argue that the solution lies only in systemic, global changes, which involve both slowing the pace of climate change and strictly regulating the use of toxic chemicals.
