The ramifications of extreme heat caused by climate change extend far beyond the visible impacts on crops and infrastructure. Just recently, two days of this month, 3rd and 4th were reported by the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction to be possibly the hottest days recorded globally, based on data recorded from around the world.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has highlighted the alarming connection between climate change and the increase in intimate partner violence (IPV) in South Asian countries. The research, conducted across India, Nepal, and Pakistan, found that a 1-degree Celsius rise in the annual average temperature led to a significant surge in IPV incidents.
Specifically, the study revealed that as the temperature increased by 1°C, the three countries experienced a disturbing rise in IPV cases. India recorded the highest jump, with an 8% increase in physical violence and a 7.3% increase in sexual violence. By 2090, it is projected that India will see the highest surge in IPV, estimated at 23.5 per cent, compared to Nepal's 14.8 per cent and Pakistan's 5.9 per cent.
The study, titled 'Association of Ambient Temperature With the Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Partnered Women in Low and Middle-Income South Asian Countries,' analysed data from nearly 195,000 ever-partnered women aged between 15 and 49. It focused on the prevalence of different forms of IPV, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence.
The findings indicated that physical violence was the most prevalent form, reported at 23 per cent, followed by emotional violence at 12.5 per cent and sexual violence at 9.5 per cent. Additionally, modelling future climate change scenarios, the study projected a significant increase in physical and sexual violence due to rising temperatures, with estimated rates of 28.3 per cent and 26.1 per cent, respectively. Emotional violence, however, was projected to increase at a lower rate of 8.9 per cent.
As extreme heat affects economies and businesses reliant on climatic conditions, the effects also trickle down in the form of mental health issues. “There is growing evidence that extreme heat can affect stress, lower inhibitions, increase aggression, and exacerbate mental illness,” co-author of the study Michelle Bell told The Guardian.
While heat-related deaths during heat waves are often documented, the study reveals that the true public health impact of climate change is underestimated due to less well-studied health risks. Instances of intimate partner violence resulting from the heat's influence are frequently overlooked. This hidden toll highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the various health risks associated with climate change.
Image used for representational purposes only.