Climate Change, Health Outcomes, and Economics Implications: A Case Study of Madurai

Abstract

Climate change remains one of the greatest concerns at a global scale, profoundly influencing local economies and public health outcomes. This research specifically analyzes Madurai, focusing on the complex relationships between changing climate patterns—such as temperature rise, unpredictable rainfall, and humidity shifts—and their direct health and economic effects. Drawing on household survey data and secondary climate records, the study evaluates immediate and long-term health risks such as heat stress, respiratory disorders, diseases spread by vectors, and dehydration. These health problems significantly increase household financial burdens, contributing to higher medical expenditures, reduced earning potential, and fewer opportunities for income generation.