How does climate change affect men's health?

Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026

Climate change disproportionately threatens men’s health via outdoor work, affecting physical, reproductive, and mental well-being.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

Heatwaves, air pollution, and outdoor work threaten the health of men in Bulgaria. Men are overrepresented among outdoor workers globally and in Bulgaria, exposing them to higher risks of heat stress, occupational accidents, and cardiovascular diseases, especially during extreme weather events. Climate change also affects male fertility through heatwaves and chronic air pollution, impacting sperm quality and testosterone levels. Furthermore, men face increased risks to their mental health following extreme climate events. While women are generally considered more vulnerable due to biological factors and socioeconomic inequalities, men’s specific vulnerabilities stem largely from their occupational exposure. In Bulgaria, the lack of comprehensive national plans for heat-related health protection and insufficient enforcement of labor regulations create significant gaps in worker safety, particularly when comparing indoor and outdoor temperature limits. Climate change also poses risks to male reproductive and urological health through heat stress, air pollution, and potential changes in agricultural toxins.


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