Climate change impacts on health-related welfare in Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the health-related welfare impacts of climate change in Brazil. By analyzing a panel of Brazilian municipalities, we found that climate change affects mostly children and women mortality rates. Welfare cost estimates also incorporate additional energy-related expenditures aimed to maintain thermal comfort and to preserve individuals’ health. Adaptation to new climate conditions may increase annual residential energy consumption by around 6%. Our results suggest that health-related welfare impacts could reach 4.7% of Brazilian GDP.