Prenatal Exposure to Climate Disasters May Alter Child Brain Development

New research from The City University of New York Graduate Center and Queens College indicates that exposure to climate-related disasters during pregnancy can have lasting effects on a child's brain development. Scientists found that children whose mothers experienced Superstorm Sandy while pregnant exhibited distinct brain differences, particularly in areas involved in emotional regulation, which could influence their mental health later in life.

The study, published in PLOS One, emphasizes the impact of extreme climate events—especially when combined with high temperatures—on the developing brain. Lead author Donato DeIngeniis explained that such environmental stressors seem to rewrite critical neural pathways in utero, leaving invisible scars on the next generation.

Researchers analyzed MRI scans from 34 children around 8 years old, comparing those whose mothers endured Superstorm Sandy and episodes of extreme heat during pregnancy to children without such exposure. Results showed that in utero exposure was associated with increased volume in the basal ganglia—a deep brain structure crucial for emotion regulation.

Prof. Yoko Nomura, principal investigator of the Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study, noted that while extreme heat alone did not significantly alter brain volume, its combination with storm-related stress amplified adverse effects. "The combination of storm stress and high temperatures created a perfect neurological storm," she said.

These findings highlight the importance of supporting pregnant women during climate crises and implementing resilience strategies in vulnerable communities. As climate change leads to more frequent and severe disasters, understanding their long-term neurological impacts becomes critical. Imaging experts, such as Duke Shereen, underscore that environmental stressors influence brain architecture through maternal experiences, with possible consequences for future generations.

The research underscores an urgent need to address the hidden toll of climate change, emphasizing that its effects extend beyond environmental damage to influence neural development and mental health in children yet to be born.