Climate Change and Health Inequities in Hilly Regions: Evidence from a Scoping Review

Globally, climate change poses serious threats to public health, and because of their unique ecological characteristics, ranging from their topography to resources makes the hilly areas particularly vulnerable. UNEP states, globally 1.2 billion people live in mountainous regions. These regions are highly sensitive to climate change, warming at rates exceeding global averages. Example, between 1901 and 2012, global temperatures rose by 0.89°C, while hill regions in the Himalayas warmed by 1.24°C. For millions of people living in these delicate ecosystems, this sharp increase in temperature, along with altered precipitation patterns and extreme weather events, increases already-existing health risks and imposes new ones.
This scoping review aims to map the current evidence on the health effects of climate change in hilly regions.
A thorough search was performed utilizing MeSH terms and phrases related to climate change, hilly regions, and health implications in PubMed and Google Scholar. The scoping review adhered to the PRISMA guidelines, to ensure methodological robustness, systematic data extraction, and comprehensive reporting of results. Studies addressing the ramifications of climate change and emphasizing health outcomes in hilly or mountainous regions met the inclusion criteria.
Significant health effects that have been noted include a higher risk of vector-borne illnesses as a result of rising temperatures; food and water insecurity made worse by erratic rainfall and droughts; elevated rates of malnutrition; mental health problems brought on by disruptions to livelihoods; and population displacement and conflict over limited resources. There was a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations. This analysis shows that there are major worldwide direct and indirect health costs associated with climate change in hilly regions. More primary research in these ecologically and socially deprived environments should look into context-specific risks and adaptation strategies. A nuanced understanding can help to shape policies aimed at increasing health equity and climate resilience.