According to a new study published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, climate change is directly linked to a decrease in physical activity. Scientists predict that by 2050, unbearable heat will cause people to move less, leading to an additional 500,000 premature deaths annually.
The study also highlights the catastrophic economic consequences of global warming. Researchers project that by 2050, productivity losses caused by physical inactivity will reach between $2.4 billion and $3.68 billion per year. This financial loss is driven by both reduced working hours due to extreme heat and an increase in disability among the population.
Research Findings
Scientists analyzed 22 years of data from 156 countries. It was determined that every month in which the average temperature exceeds 27.8°C increases global physical inactivity by an average of 1.5%. In low- and middle-income countries, this figure is even higher (1.85%).
Physical inactivity directly increases the risk of diseases such as:
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Cardiovascular diseases;
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Type 2 diabetes;
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Certain forms of cancer;
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Mental health disorders.
This issue is not just about climate change; it is also a matter of social inequality. The hardest-hit regions include Central America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia, where populations often lack access to air-conditioned spaces and safe indoor infrastructure. Furthermore, the increase in physical inactivity is expected to be more pronounced among women, due to both physiological characteristics and social factors.
Scientists believe that physical activity should be treated as a public health measure rather than just an individual choice.
