The hidden health costs of a warming Asia
From hotter days and restless nights to longer dengue seasons and more frequent floods, climate change is becoming an increasingly familiar part of life across Asia. But as a new report and experts point out, the less obvious toll on health and well-being deserves urgent attention.
Earlier this year, Singapore unveiled its first National Adaptation Plan, with measures to strengthen heat resilience, protect against flooding, and safeguard food and water security. The plan reflects a growing recognition that adapting to climate change also means protecting public health.
That message lies at the heart of the Climate and Health in Asia report, authored by Forum for the Future and sponsored by AIA. It explores how rising temperatures, extreme weather, air pollution, and changing disease patterns are already affecting health across Asia, and how governments, healthcare providers, communities, businesses, and insurers can strengthen resilience through prevention, preparedness, and collaboration.
A driver of illness and financial vulnerability
"When it comes to climate change, people often think of polar bears, melting ice caps and sea levels rising. But climate change is not just a single environmental threat—it's a driver of illness, healthcare disruption and financial vulnerability," said Professor Winston Chow of Singapore Management University, who is also co-chair of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Working Group II.
Many people see extreme heat as uncomfortable rather than dangerous, said Dr. Kelvin Loh, group chief healthcare officer of AIA Group. But prolonged heat exposure can exacerbate underlying health conditions, particularly among older adults and vulnerable populations.
Rising temperatures also allow Aedes mosquitoes to thrive, increasing the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. And the mental health impacts of climate change are emerging, with Chow noting post-traumatic stress after cyclones and typhoons, as well as growing climate anxiety among younger generations.
Adapting infrastructure and work practices
Chow said infrastructure was designed for yesterday's climate and needs adjustment. In Singapore, he cited district cooling systems, reflective building materials, and covered walkways as examples of measures that help reduce heat. He also mentioned work adjustments like avoiding outdoor construction between noon and 4pm and designing personal protective equipment for heat stress.
These adaptations come as Asia faces a convergence of demographic and health trends. Populations are ageing rapidly, chronic diseases are becoming more prevalent, and healthcare systems are under strain from workforce shortages. While this context was highlighted in an interview published by Eco-Business, climate-related health risks can intensify these existing challenges, as Dr Loh said.
Insurers step in as 'risk carriers'
According to Butch Bacani, head of insurance at the UN Environment Programme and programme leader of the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance, insurers help manage climate risks through risk research, modelling, and loss prevention, acting as "risk carriers." The report identifies four areas where insurers can contribute: organisational resilience, helping people stay healthier, strengthening healthcare systems, and supporting research and partnerships.
Tools like parametric insurance, which triggers payouts based on predefined thresholds such as temperature or flood depth, offer a way to provide financial protection. Bacani also pointed to wearables, telehealth, apps, and IoT sensors. For its part, AIA's Vitality programme rewards exercise and health screenings, part of a broader move towards personalised health engagement.
A call for prevention and collaboration
Dr Loh stressed that prevention is more effective than treatment, especially for climate-related health risks. He emphasized the need for better climate-health data and evidence, and for stronger cross-sector collaboration. He called for viewing climate change and health as interconnected challenges that require collective action.
Bacani said a comprehensive approach combining financial protection, preventive measures, and digital tools can improve outcomes. Dr Loh expressed hope that growing awareness and stakeholder recognition of the climate-health connection can build healthier communities.
As Asia's healthcare systems brace for the impacts of climate change, the message from both experts is clear: prevention and adaptation will be key to protecting the health of the region's populations.