The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released its 7th Frontiers report, The Weight of Time, in July 2025. It warns of growing threats from extreme heat and toxic pollution to the world’s ageing population. The report marks how climate change and environmental hazards increasingly endanger older adults, especially in urban and low- to middle-income regions.
Rising Heat Threats to Older Adults
- Heat-related deaths among people aged 65 and above have surged by 85% since the 1990s.
- If global temperatures rise by 2°C, deaths could increase by 370% by 2050.
- Older adults have reduced ability to regulate body temperature.
- Extreme heat raises risks of cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular diseases.
Urban Ageing and Climate Vulnerability
- Cities will house 68% of the global population by 2050, with a rising share of older residents.
- 58% of people aged 60+ lived in urban areas in 2015.
- Urban heat islands and pollution worsen risks during heatwaves and climate disasters.
Legacy Pollutants and Flood Risks
- Flooding can release toxic legacy pollutants buried in sediments such as heavy metals and persistent organic chemicals.
- These pollutants can cause neurotoxicity, cancer, and reproductive harm.
- Examples include floods in Texas (2017), Niger Delta (2012), and Pakistan (2010, 2022).
Environmental and Health Impacts of Pollutants
- Cadmium and other pollutants harm sediment-dwelling organisms and humans.
- UNEP calls for more research on pollutant release during floods to assess risks to ecosystems and health.
- Monitoring polluted sediments is crucial as rainfall intensity and flood events increase globally.
Solutions – Urban Planning and Flood Management
- The report recommends the ‘15-minute city’ model to support ageing in place.
- Flood-control strategies should combine nature-based solutions with traditional infrastructure.
- Adaptive management and community involvement are vital for effective response to contaminant remobilisation.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Global temperatures rising by 2°C could lead to a 370% increase in heat-related deaths among older adults by 2050.
- Cities need to become age-friendly, resilient, and greener to protect elderly residents from climate hazards.
- Flooding poses risks of spreading toxic legacy pollutants, impacting ecosystems and human health.
- Monitoring polluted sediments and implementing flood-control measures are crucial for mitigating environmental risks.
