The authors write that the fetus, infant, and child are uniquely vulnerable to climate-related impacts of air pollution. Moreover, research indicates that air pollutants and climate change are able to interact to affect children’s health, although further study is needed. All children are at risk, but the greatest burden falls on those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

The article cites dozens of research studies on how fossil fuel combustion is taking a major toll on the physical and mental health of children. Examples from the article follow:

Extreme Heat. Exposure to heatwaves in utero is associated with increased risk for preterm birth and low birth weight, hyperthermia and death in infants, heat stress, kidney disease, and other illnesses in children.