Climate Change and Its Impact on Asthma in South Africa

Climate change is acknowledged as a significant risk to global health, and South Africa is particularly vulnerable, experiencing warming at a rate 1.5 times faster than the global average (Upton & Peter, 2025). This alarming trend exacerbates respiratory health risks, increasing the rates of asthma and other allergic respiratory diseases due to extreme weather events, poor air quality, and rising aeroallergen levels. 

The Climate Crisis in South Africa 

As detailed in the narrative review by Upton and Peter (2025), South Africa faces a convergence of infrastructural and environmental challenges that complicate respiratory health, including urbanization, poverty, and a fragmented healthcare system. Climate change contributes to both allergic and non-allergic respiratory diseases through factors such as rising temperatures, increased pollen seasons, and more frequent extreme weather events, including floods and wildfires (Upton & Peter, 2025). Vulnerable populations, particularly children, adolescents, and pregnant women, experience a disproportionate burden from these environmental changes (Upton & Peter, 2025). 

Climate-Linked Exposures and Health Risks 

The review emphasizes that climate change significantly impacts respiratory health by driving long-term shifts in meteorological factors and creating adverse environmental conditions (Upton & Peter, 2025). For example, extreme weather events can result in poor air quality due to increased mould growth following flooding, directly worsening asthma symptoms. Furthermore, a longitudinal analysis highlighted an increase in extreme weather patterns over the past century, showcasing a notable rise in floods and heatwaves that contribute to respiratory distress (Upton & Peter, 2025). 

Gaps in Data and Surveillance Systems 

Despite the evident risks, existing health and environmental monitoring systems in South Africa remain fragmented and unevenly distributed (Upton & Peter, 2025). Current data collection efforts, such as those from the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network (NAAQMN) and the South African Weather Service (SAWS), do not effectively link environmental exposure data to respiratory health outcomes. This highlights a pressing need for integrated systems and strategies like the SA-CARES (South Africa – Climate Air-emissions and Respiratory Health Early Sensing) sentinel-based early-warning system, which aims to improve public health responses (Upton & Peter, 2025). 

In this context, Diagno is proud and honored to be part of this significant study, providing essential support to the research team and access to partners MADx and Bedfont, who are actively and graciously assisting in the project. This collaboration aligns perfectly with Diagno’s mission of ensuring positive patient outcomes for all South Africans. 

Policy Recommendations and Community Engagement 

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change on respiratory health requires cohesive efforts at multiple levels. It is critical to strengthen the integration of health metrics with environmental data to facilitate informed decision-making (Upton & Peter, 2025). Community engagement is also essential for fostering resilience, as empowered communities can take action to mitigate respiratory health risks associated with climate changes. Additionally, improving healthcare infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced areas, is vital for adequately addressing the growing respiratory health burden (Upton & Peter, 2025). 

Conclusion 

Climate change is amplifying the respiratory health challenges in South Africa, leading to increased exposure to extreme weather, poor air quality, and elevated levels of aeroallergens. Upton and Peter (2025) emphasize that addressing these public health issues necessitates coordinated investment in surveillance, data integration, and community preparedness. By implementing comprehensive strategies and strengthening health policies, South Africa can enhance its capacity to adapt to the escalating impacts of climate change on respiratory health. 

References 

Upton, C. M., & Peter, J. (2025). Climate change and its impact on asthma in South Africa. Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 38(3), 1-3.