Impact of Climate Change on Rheumatology Care: A Global Perspective

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Rheumatology
• Climate Change Impacts

Background:

• The global climate crisis presents a significant health challenge, particularly affecting rheumatology patients and providers.
• Extreme weather and pollution disrupt healthcare access, infrastructure, medication efficacy, and rheumatic disease activity.
• Rheumatologists and patients globally face climate change challenges with inadequate support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of rheumatologists worldwide in navigating climate change-related challenges.
• To identify the drivers and consequences of climate change within rheumatology practice.
• To propose strategies for climate adaptation to build resilient rheumatology care.

Main Methods:

• This study is a narrative review.
• It incorporates perspectives from rheumatologists across five continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.
• It synthesizes lived experiences with existing evidence.

Main Results:

• Rheumatologists globally are confronting direct and indirect impacts of climate change on patient care.
• Challenges include disruptions to healthcare services, medication supply chains, and increased disease burden.
• There is a critical need for enhanced support systems and adaptive strategies.

Conclusions:

• Climate change poses a substantial threat to rheumatology care, necessitating urgent attention and action.
• Integrating global rheumatologists' experiences provides valuable insights into climate adaptation.
• Fostering resilient rheumatology practices requires collaborative, evidence-based adaptation strategies.