AIR pollution and extreme temperatures affect those in lower-income neighbourhoods more than others, a new project reveals.
For all exposure to this extreme weather and changing environment is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression but for those in more vulnerable neighbourhoods it is even more damaging.
Lower-income neighbourhoods tend to have less green space, shade and climate shelters. Also, homes are typically poorly insulated meaning that it is more difficult to protect oneself from heat.
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This is different to medium socioeconomic areas where individuals can access air conditioning, green spaces or even leave bustling cities during the extreme heat period.
This difference in resources has been found to change how communities feel as a result of climate change, according to a new study called AMBIENTAMENT. This project is led by researchers Andrea Pistillo, Constanza Jacques Aviñó, and Talita Duarte-Salles from the Jordi Gol Primary Care Research Institute (IDIAPJGol) and the Network for Research in Chronicity, Primary Care and Health Promotion (RICAPPS).
Conducting 60 interviews with residents of three neighbourhoods with similar temperature characteristics but different socioeconomic levels, the research found that exposure to high temperatures is associated with a 43% increase in the risk of anxiety and 26% in that of depression.
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Researchers believe that this is due to a process of inflammation and oxidative stress caused by pollution and also the increased stress and aggressiveness seen in periods of extreme heat.
Finding that those in more vulnerable communities suffer more as a result of these conditions, the project highlights that the climate crisis is more than an environmental problem – it is also one that latches onto existing inequalities.
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