When Ocean Temperatures Increase, So Does Child Malnutrition on Land

Marine heat waves—periods of prolonged, climate-driven ocean warming—may be taking a toll on children and pregnant women on land, according to a new report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers analyzed whether increased frequency of marine heat waves predicted worse health outcomes, using data from low- and middle-income countries. Led by Clark Gray of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the study found that for each standard deviation increase in marine heat waves over 24 months (about three more events than normal), child mortality rose 5.4%. Child wasting and stunting increased by 6.5% and 8.8%, respectively. The authors stress the results show correlation, not confirmed causes, and mechanisms could involve disrupted food chains or other pathways.