Climate Change Could Cause 15,000 Additional Premature Births Every April In India By 2050, Uttar Pradesh Faces Highest Risk

A new analysis by Zero Carbon Analytics warns that climate change could cause an estimated 15,300 additional premature births in India every April by 2050, with Uttar Pradesh facing the highest risk. The study projects that the number of excess preterm deliveries in the state during an average April could reach nearly 4,500, driven by rising temperatures.

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan would account for the largest share of the additional premature births, with UP facing the most significant impact. The April 2024 heat event, made 45 times more likely due to human-induced climate change, resulted in 16,150 excess preterm births across India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, with India accounting for 10,050 cases.

Researchers emphasize that pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat, citing dehydration, reduced blood flow to the placenta, and other physiological stressors as potential triggers for premature labor. The report also highlights the vulnerability of women from economically weaker households, who are more likely to suffer from poor nutrition, anaemia, and inadequate antenatal care.

Despite existing maternal healthcare programs and heat action plans, the review found that 12 plans lacked specific recommendations for pregnant or lactating women, with only 40 out of 214 strategies targeting this group. Experts urge for stronger maternal protection measures, including better early warning systems, targeted outreach, and cooling facilities at healthcare centers to mitigate the risks posed by climate change.