Adolescent health in the time of climate change:

A new Lancet Commission report has projected that by 2030, half of the two billion adolescents worldwide will live in multi-burden countries grappling with an excess burden of disease. By 2030, 42 million years of healthy life will be lost to mental disorders or suicide, and 464 million adolescents will be obese or overweight.

Key challenges for India:

• Triple burden of disease: In India, the double burden of malnutrition, i.e. undernutrition and overnutrition, is stark. Data indicates that 52% of girls and 20.8% of boys aged 10-24 are anaemic, far exceeding the target of less than 10%. Additionally, the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to communicable, maternal, and nutritional conditions are higher among both girls and boys.
• Mental health crisis: Mental health disorders are a growing concern, exacerbated by excessive and problematic use of technology and digital devices. The interrelated crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution further impact mental health, adding layers of stress and uncertainty.
• Climate change and conflict: Adolescents will be the first to face the lifelong impacts of climate change, with half of the world’s two billion adolescents projected to live in multi-burden countries by 2030. In India, environmental degradation, coupled with rising conflict and migration, will further limit the opportunities for young people.
• Socioeconomic and gender disparities: Economic and political instability, coupled with gender-specific challenges, hinder equitable access to health services. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly among girls, and limited access to age- and gender-sensitive programs exacerbate disparities.

Significance:

• Demographic Dividend: With adolescents forming a significant portion of India’s population, their health and well-being are critical to harnessing the demographic dividend.
  • The ‘Economic Case for Investment in the Well-being of Adolescents in India’ report (2024) estimates that increased investment in adolescent health could boost India’s GDP by 10.1% annually.
• National Adolescent Health Strategy: The handbook operates across six major thematic areas: sexual and reproductive health, mental health, injuries and violence (including gender-based violence), nutrition, substance misuse, and non-communicable diseases.
• Sustainability and resilience: Adolescents are at the forefront of the green economy and climate resilience. Their involvement in policy-making and program design is crucial for sustainable development.

Way Forward:

• Policy Interventions for nutrition and obesity: India needs to implement policies such as taxing sugar-sweetened beverages, improving access to healthy food, and promoting physical activity through access to green spaces.
• Mental Health and resilience building: Investing in operational research to develop evidence-based mental health care models is critical.
• Climate resilience and youth engagement: Adolescents must be included in climate policy discussions to ensure their voices shape the green economy.
• Infrastructure and Safety: India’s efforts in Gurugram, Haryana, demonstrate how road safety measures can reduce adolescent mortality from traffic injuries. Scaling such initiatives nationwide, including safer crosswalks and speed reduction measures, can enhance adolescent safety.
• Multisectoral collaboration: The complexity of adolescent health demands multisectoral responses. Collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and civil society can drive innovation and resource allocation.