Extreme heat and marine heatwaves pose growing risks to human health

Researchers are warning that rising temperatures, including marine heatwaves and extreme atmospheric heat, are posing significant threats to both physical and mental human health. A study published in Nature Sustainability by researchers from Adelaide University and the University of Hong Kong notes that marine heatwaves trigger a cascade of effects, such as intensifying storms, reducing seafood supplies, and causing harmful algal blooms that can contaminate food.

Beyond environmental damage, these shifts contribute to psychological distress. In Sri Lanka, medical professionals have observed a link between intense heat—exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon—and increased rates of anxiety, depression, irritability, and sleep disorders. Experts note that heat-induced sleep deprivation, dehydration, and physical fatigue can impair cognitive function and emotional regulation, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and outdoor laborers.