Dr Nadeem Kothdiwala
In celebrating International Men’s Day on Wednesday, November 19 th, let us recognise that men’s health and planetary health are inseparable. In Trinidad and Tobago, men face significant health challenges like higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, certain cancers and lifestyle-related diseases. As the world confronts rising temperatures and global environmental changes, it’s increasingly clear that men’s health cannot be viewed in isolation. Men’s wellbeing is directly tied to planetary health and is even more so for those men in outdoor and industrial occupations; the climate crisis already affects their daily life and long-term health outcomes.
Trinbagonian men are disproportionately affected by chronic illnesses, with the World Health Organization noting an average male life expectancy of 73 years as compared to 80 years in females. Lifestyle risk factors more common in men than in women, e.g. smoking, alcohol abuse, or speeding may help to explain this statistic. Men also visit doctors less frequently, and often delay seeking care, which can result in late diagnoses and more severe illness complications, contributing to the previously mentioned 7-year life expectancy difference. While lifestyle risk factors are heavily emphasized, a growing body of knowledge on the many links between climate change and human health suggests that these risk factors aren’t the whole story.
Heat Fuh So
The Caribbean is especially vulnerable to climate changed-induced temperature rise and extreme weather. Earth’s average surface temperature has steadily increased for decades. In T&T, and in other Caribbean islands, workers report higher rates of hospital admissions due to dehydration, sunburns and fatigue because of increased temperatures. This is of particular importance to men, as they represent the majority of the ‘on the field’ workforce in construction, agriculture and fishing sectors where workers are very often exposed to the elements. Exposure to high temperatures isn’t just uncomfortable; it increases the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular overload.
Fewer Babies
Heat doesn’t only affect men’s ability to work. It can also affect what many might never consider – having children. Recent evidence suggests that climate change-linked temperature increases may result in reduced sperm count and motility and disrupt testosterone production, leading to overall decreased fertility. Sperm production depends on the testes being a few degrees cooler than core body temperature, and prolonged heat exposure can impair this process. Male fertility levels are already declining regionally, so as the Caribbean experiences record heat spells, understanding how climate change impacts male fertility is essential, for individual health, family planning and population wellbeing.
Calling All Men
Women are generally noted as being more concerned with climate change, but men are at risk for particular health concerns given their increased likelihood of developing certain chronic diseases coupled with male-dominated outdoor professions and climate change itself, and they must begin to take these problems seriously. That said, though the deterioration of Earth’s health due to climate change has negatively affected men’s health, all is not lost. In fact, steps for improving general health can also improve planetary health.
For example, shifting toward plant-rich diets, favouring local produce and reducing waste helps the Earth – and people. Studies show that diets lower in red and processed meats (a stereotypical male favourite) reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers. Additionally, producing plant-based foods requires far fewer natural resources (less land, less water, and significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, the main drivers of climate change). Livestock production accounts for roughly 14-18% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to methane from cattle and feed production, so when men choose healthier habits, they’re also helping the planet.
Another stereotype says that men like driving fast – there are, after all, 10 Fast and Furious movies! Typical cars achieving such speeds burn huge amounts of fossil fuels, further contributing to climate change – but electric cars can often top the acceleration speed of even the fanciest sports cars, and many are cheaper too. For men who don’t want pace, why not cycle, walk or run? Choosing these transportation methods improve health and fitness (maybe catching someone’s attention!) and are better for the planet.
The forces warming our planet strain men’s bodies and threaten fertility, but men aren’t powerless. Our daily choices, what we eat, how we travel, and safeguarding the environment can heal our bodies and our world.
Improving men’s health isn’t just attending clinic visits or lowering blood pressure. It means drinking more water as days get hotter, eating more locally-grown food, reducing waste, and supporting cleaner, greener communities. These aren’t small acts; they’re powerful expressions of strength, leadership, and responsibility.
When men take charge of their health, and the Earth’s, families are stronger, communities safer, and our islands more resilient. This International Men’s Day, let’s be the generation of men standing tall, not only as protectors of our homes, but as guardians of our life-giving planet. A healthier Earth begins with healthier men, and the time for action is now.
The foregoing is a weekly column by EarthMedic and EarthNurse NGO to help readers understand and address the climate and health crisis.
Written by: Dr. Nadeem Kothdiwala MBBS, MBA, Physician at LivHealth
Edited By: Mary P. Hospedales
