IMPACTS OF CLIMATIC EFFECTS ON HEALTH: THE INFLUENCE OF URBAN EXPANSION AND AIR POLLUTION

Abstract

The main consequences of climate-related effects and air pollution for human health, together with the expansion of urbanization in Brazil, have attracted increasing scientific attention due to their interconnected nature. The methodological design adopted in this study was based on qualitative exploratory research, guided by a review of the literature relevant to the topic. The main objective was to identify the findings of recent studies investigating the relationship between urban growth and air pollution, as well as to examine whether air pollution influences the occurrence of respiratory diseases. Specifically, the literature search focused on studies addressing air pollution in Brazilian cities and its impacts on human health between 2014 and 2023. The 21 articles analyzed revealed that the challenges faced by Brazil in managing climate change are intrinsically related to air pollution, which contributes to a higher incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Increased emissions of pollutants from motor vehicles, environmental degradation, and the expansion of regional industries have direct impacts on population health. Therefore, climate-related factors, actions aimed at reducing pollutant emissions, and the prevention of forest fires that are harmful to human health and worsen air quality should receive greater attention within governance structures. These issues should also be more effectively incorporated into regional and national public policies to ensure their efficient implementation and the stricter enforcement of existing legislation.