Carbon, Climate, and the Endocrine Conundrum

The escalating burden of carbon overload, largely driven by fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial activities, is a major contributor to climate change, leading to significant environmental and health consequences. Beyond its ecological implications, emerging evidence highlights the profound impact of climate change on human health, particularly on endocrine function. Rising global temperatures, increased exposure to particulate matter, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and shifts in dietary patterns pose significant challenges to hormonal homeostasis. This review critically examines the intricate relationship between carbon emissions, climate change, environmental pollutants, and endocrine disorders, including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, reproductive health, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, we discuss potential mitigation strategies-including policy interventions, dietary modifications, and sustainable lifestyle practices-to safeguard endocrine health while addressing environmental sustainability. Recognizing and addressing the endocrine implications of climate change is essential for developing effective public health interventions aimed at mitigating long-term health risks.