Impacts of Climate Change on Homes and Human Health: Rising Temperatures, Air Quality, and Housing Security

Climate change is profoundly influencing our living environments, with significant effects on both housing and health. Recent extreme weather events, such as prolonged heatwaves in Europe resulting in approximately 2,300 deaths, severe flooding displacing over 48,000 residents along the New South Wales coast, and wildfires in Los Angeles destroying at least 16,000 structures, exemplify the escalating frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. These events pose direct risks to homes and inhabitants, emphasizing the urgent need for climate-resilient housing.

Poor housing conditions can increase vulnerability to climate impacts. Extreme temperatures compromise indoor air quality by degrading building materials and allowing pollutants, including hazardous smoke from bushfires, to infiltrate residential spaces. Additionally, outdoor heat can make indoor environments unbearable. Floods, storms, and cyclones cause water damage that exposes residents to toxins and heighten the risk of infectious and allergic diseases.

Beyond physical threats, climate change disrupts housing security and affordability. Increased damage from climate disasters leads to higher maintenance costs, inflated insurance premiums, and elevated energy expenses for heating and cooling. Such factors contribute to energy poverty, adversely affecting both physical and mental health. Displacement due to disasters can also result in social disconnection, loss of income, and other social challenges.

Moreover, climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. Lower-income renters often face greater risks of housing loss and poor quality accommodation, while gentrification driven by areas becoming more desirable due to decreased climate risk can displace disadvantaged communities into higher-risk zones.

To address these challenges, building standards must evolve to include climate resilience features such as durable foundations, insulation, ventilation, energy-efficient climate control, and fire-resistant materials. Upgrading existing housing stock and enforcing stronger tenant protections are vital steps. Equally important is ensuring housing remains affordable, secure, and accessible to foster community well-being amidst a changing climate.

Overall, resilient housing systems are essential not only for physical safety but also for supporting mental health and social stability, underscoring the importance of integrating climate considerations into housing policy and urban planning.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-air-quality-climate-affecting-homes.html