Climate change impacts on health in Aotearoa New Zealand: a scoping review

This paper addresses the evidence on the health impacts of climate change in Aotearoa New Zealand with particular attention to who, where and what activities are most vulnerable. Applying the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework, it consolidates academic and grey literature to identify gaps and future research priorities. The review—conducted from February to October 2024—included 61 papers from 2,265 that were initially screened. The results reveal that temperature and extreme precipitation are the main climate risks associated with health in Aotearoa New Zealand. These are associated with direct and indirect impacts, including heat-related illness and death, enteric diseases, poor mental health, access to safe drinking water/food supplies and access to healthcare. Most regions across Aotearoa New Zealand are susceptible to climate change–induced health risks, with unique pressures for coastal regions, metropolitan areas, rural areas and regions experiencing disproportionate socio-economic inequity. Workers in outdoor manual labour—exposed to heat stress, air pollution and sun damage—are vulnerable to climate change–induced health risks. The review also highlights key demographic characteristics—ethnicity, age, skin colour, occupation, gender, housing, disability and pre-existing health needs, and socio-economic deprivation—that affect vulnerability. In conclusion, the review underscores the importance of responses to climate change-induced health addressing the underlying, intersectional risk factors to protect vulnerable populations.