Climate Change, Air Pollution and the Associated Burden of Disease in the Arabian Peninsula and Neighbouring Regions: A Critical Review of the Literature

Abstract

A narrative review on the interlinking effects of climate change and air pollution, and their impacts on human health in the Arabian Peninsula and its Neighbouring Regions (APNR) is provided. The APNR is experiencing the direct impacts of climate change through increasingly extreme temperatures in the summer season, increasing maximum and minimum temperatures, and increased frequency and severity of dust events. The region is also experiencing significant air pollution, of which particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are of specific concern. Air pollution in the APNR is mainly caused by unprecedented industrial, population and motorization growth. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century has been the major economic driving force behind these changes. Climate change and air pollution impact human health in the region, primarily respiratory and cardiovascular health. Despite an increase in research capacity, research intensity was found to be inconsistent across the APNR countries, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iraq publishing more research articles than the other countries. In this review article, the existing research gaps in the region are investigated and the lack of synthesis between the interacting effects of air pollution and climate change upon human health is highlighted.