Global systematic review of how climate change degrades the wellbeing and health of indigenous children

This systematic review consolidates global evidence on how climate change impacts the health and wellbeing of Indigenous children. Conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and a reflexive, decolonising framework, the authors systematically searched five biomedical and social science databases, screened 2020 studies, and included 53 peer-reviewed primary research articles from diverse regions. Study designs encompassed qualitative, quantitative non-randomized, quantitative descriptive, and mixed-methods approaches, with nearly half published in the last five years.  Most evidence was concentrated in high-income countries—Canada, the United States, and Australia—with limited representation from other global regions.

The review identified five interconnected health outcomes in Indigenous children due to climate change: malnutrition, psychosocial and cultural wellbeing, infectious diseases, mortality and morbidity, and perinatal health. Psychosocial and cultural wellbeing was the most cross-cutting theme, associated with multiple exposures and other health outcomes. Authors recommend more geographically diverse, disaggregated, and methodologically rigorous research. They highlight the importance of integrating Indigenous Knowledge systems and engaging younger generations in climate-health responses.