Warmer winters, the rapid spread of ticks, heatwaves that pose a threat to the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, heavy rains that cause not only physical injuries but also psychological consequences – these are no longer just future predictions, but increasingly visible phenomena. Climate change is among the main drivers.
These threats have yet to be systematically analysed, and health considerations are often overlooked in climate policy agendas. To address this gap, researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, have undertaken a comprehensive study of the governance of climate change-induced risks to public health.
Climate change induces illnesses and life-threatening conditions
Rima Proscevičiūtė, a doctoral student in sociology at KTU, explains that the study was motivated by the observation that the health impacts of climate change receive far less attention than those affecting agriculture or finance. “There is a risk that we will not be adequately prepared for the health threats posed by climate change,” says Proscevičiūtė.
However, the effects of extreme weather and natural disasters are already being felt. “For example, in Lithuania, the spread of tick-borne diseases is receiving a lot of attention in society, as warmer climates provide more suitable habitats for ticks. Hundreds of Lyme disease cases are reported in Lithuania each year – around 3,000 in 2022, with a 19 per cent increase in 2023,” she notes.
Another clear example is the impact of heat waves on mortality. On August 3, 2019, Lithuania recorded a historic high of 34.4 °C. “Mortality rose by about 15 per cent that day. Yet, despite the increasing frequency of such events, we still lack an integrated heat wave warning system, even though other countries’ experiences show it to be highly effective,” says Proscevičiūtė.
While extensive health and environmental data – on air pollution, infectious diseases, mortality, and hospitalisations – are collected, they are rarely analysed in the context of climate-health links.
“This limits our ability to identify risk groups promptly and take preventive measures,” notes Proscevičiūtė. Monitoring for the most vulnerable – the elderly, children, and patients with chronic illnesses – is particularly lacking, as is data on mental health impacts from stress or trauma caused by extreme weather. Moreover, it is not always clear whether adaptation measures reach all groups equally, raising concerns that the climate crisis could further deepen social inequalities.
Essential dialogue between environmental and health experts
The Lithuanian situation reflects broader international trends. Like other Northern European countries, Lithuania has an ageing population, rapidly urbanising cities, similar climate-related challenges, and follows common European Union guidelines for public health and environmental policy. “Compared with many countries worldwide, Lithuania’s vulnerability in this field is currently moderate, but it is increasing rapidly,” emphasises Audronė Telešienė, professor of sociology and communication at KTU, and chief researcher of the Research Council of Lithuania–funded SERENITY project.
According to Telešienė, the relevance of a published study goes beyond national borders, as its conclusions are useful for other countries as well. With the impacts of the climate crisis on public health expected to rise, nations are seeking effective risk management strategies. “Preparing for the prevention and management of climate-related threats requires a political dialogue that brings together environmental and public health specialists,” she stresses.
She also highlights the need for indicators that link extreme weather events to hospitalisations, mortality, and other health outcomes.
Telešienė, who is also head of the LiDA membership of the CESSDA-ERIC project, also emphasises the importance of international data infrastructures for such scenarios. Systems such as CESSDA-ERIC and Lithuania’s LiDA enable scientists to compare data between countries, perform long-term analyses, and thus ensure a more reliable assessment of climate-related threats and the public response to them.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue – it is first and foremost a public health challenge. If we do not respond in time, the consequences could be much more costly than the preventive measures we take today,” concludes Proscevičiūtė.
Article Climate change and public health: Governance approaches and challenges in Lithuania can be found here.