Climate change exacerbates health risks through pathways such as increased air pollution, proliferation of allergens, and frequency of extreme weather events such as heat waves, wildfires, and floods, all of which have direct and indirect impacts on respiratory health. Using spatial analysis, geographic patterns of respiratory disease prevalence and severity are identified. We conducted this review based on a five-step methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley. We screened all articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases since the beginning of 2010 that employed at least one form of spatial analysis related to the impact of climate change on respiratory disease. In total, 44 articles met the inclusion criteria and were organized into three main themes: temperature changes (n = 23); air pollution (n = 15); and extreme weather events (n = 6). Our findings suggest that most studies use basic spatial analysis techniques, such as disease mapping, which may not lead to robust conclusions. The findings highlight the need for spatially targeted interventions and adaptive public health strategies, including improved air quality management, early warning systems, and climate-resilient health care infrastructure, to reduce the future burden of climate-related respiratory diseases.
The review calls for a geospatially informed public health response that addresses spatial disparities in respiratory health outcomes exacerbated by climate change. The review also highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and low-income communities, who often live in high-risk areas and face compounded health challenges due to limited access to health care.