Global Warming and Ageing: UNEP Report Calls for Urgent Urban Reforms — A new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), titled The Weight of Time, released in July 2025, has raised an urgent alarm about the growing intersection between climate change and the vulnerabilities of the ageing population. As global warming accelerates, its impact on public health—especially among the elderly—is becoming increasingly severe. The report underscores the need for urgent urban reforms and better environmental management to protect the world’s ageing population, particularly in urban and low- to middle-income regions.
Extreme Heat: A Deadly Threat to the Elderly
One of the most concerning findings from the UNEP report is the dramatic rise in heat-related deaths among older adults. Since the 1990s, fatalities from extreme heat among those aged 65 and older have risen by 85%. This is largely due to physiological changes that reduce the body’s ability to regulate temperature as people age.
If global temperatures rise by just 2°C, deaths in this age group could soar by 370% by 2050. Older adults are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular diseases such as heatstroke, heart attacks, pneumonia, and strokes during heatwaves.
Tropical and mid-latitude regions, including parts of India, are especially vulnerable. Already, India has reported a surge in heatwave days disproportionately affecting the elderly, underlining the urgent need for targeted climate adaptation strategies.
Global Warming and Ageing: Urbanisation and Climate Vulnerability Among the Elderly
By 2050, cities are expected to house nearly 68% of the global population, and a large portion of this urban population will be senior citizens. In 2015, 58% of people aged 60 and above were already living in urban areas. Many older adults migrate to cities for better healthcare, transportation, and social services. However, these urban centres are also home to dangerous environmental risks like urban heat islands, poor air quality, and frequent climate disasters.
The combination of rising temperatures and ageing populations in cities creates a dual challenge. Older residents are especially vulnerable during extreme heat and natural disasters, lacking the physical resilience and often the social support systems required to respond effectively.
Global Warming and Ageing: Hidden Dangers of Flooding and Toxic Legacy Pollutants
UNEP’s report also delves into the hidden threats posed by flooding—particularly the release of legacy pollutants buried in riverbeds and coastal sediments. These pollutants include toxic heavy metals such as cadmium, mercury, and lead, along with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from agricultural and industrial sources.
Floodwaters can disturb these buried toxins, spreading them into the environment, water systems, and food chains. This was seen in recent flood events in Texas (2017), Pakistan (2010 and 2022), and the Niger Delta (2012). Older adults, who already face declining health, are more susceptible to diseases caused by exposure to these pollutants, including neurological disorders, cancer, kidney damage, and reproductive health issues.
Environmental Health Impacts of Cadmium and Other Toxins
Cadmium is highlighted in the report as particularly dangerous. It is a known carcinogen and an endocrine disruptor. Exposure to cadmium has been linked to kidney damage, weakened bones, and complications in pregnancy. Because it accumulates in sediment over decades, increased flooding caused by climate change raises the risk of widespread contamination.
The UNEP report urges governments to prioritise research into pollutant behaviour during floods and to establish monitoring frameworks to track sediment toxicity. This is especially critical as climate change increases the intensity and frequency of flood events globally.
Solutions: Building Climate-Resilient, Age-Inclusive Cities
To mitigate the compounded impacts of global warming and ageing, the report calls for transformative urban reforms. One of its key proposals is the “15-minute city” model, which envisions communities where all essential services—healthcare, markets, parks, and transportation—are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride. This urban planning model not only supports the elderly but also reduces pollution and traffic, enhancing livability for all.
In terms of flood control, the report advocates a blend of nature-based solutions—like wetland restoration and forest conservation—with traditional infrastructure, including levees, reservoirs, and retention basins. River basin management should be holistic, ensuring flood retention areas also support biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Community involvement is crucial. Cities must engage residents, especially older citizens, in climate adaptation planning to ensure that reforms address their unique needs and vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
The UNEP Frontiers Report 2025 paints a stark picture of the challenges facing our ageing populations amid the climate crisis. The dual burden of rising temperatures and toxic pollution demands urgent, coordinated urban reforms. Investing in age-friendly, climate-resilient infrastructure and pollution monitoring is not only essential for protecting older adults—it’s key to sustainable urban futures for everyone.
