Global Blood Supplies Under Threat from Climate Change

As our planet warms, the rise in extreme weather disasters poses a surprising threat to the world’s blood supply.

The new analysis highlights how these weather extremes can not only reduce the number of blood donations but also amplify the need for blood, leading to potential shortages during critical moments.

Climate-related phenomena such as extreme heat, floods, and storms can deter individuals from donating blood, complicate the logistics of blood transportation, and endanger the integrity of blood transfusion processes, according to recent research.

Balancing Blood Supply and Demand is Critical

As climate-driven natural disasters escalate demand and restrict supply, maintaining the balance between these two becomes crucial. This imbalance can be life-threatening, emphasizing the need for effective responses.

Elvina Viennet, from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, pointed out, 'When disruptions impact the availability or safety of blood supplies, lives are endangered.'

Understanding Climate's Impact on Blood Supplies

This study represents the first comprehensive examination of climate change's effects on blood availability worldwide. Dr. Viennet, along with her fellow researchers, assessed numerous studies addressing climate change’s impact on health, infectious diseases, and the safety of blood transfusions. They linked these impacts to the entire blood supply chain.

Natural occurrences such as hurricanes, flooding, intense heat, wildfires, and blizzards can prevent individuals from donating blood. Infrastructure challenges like blocked roads and personal emergencies add to the difficulty, while mobile donation events might fail to reach necessary locations.