By Dr Nadeem Kothdiwala
MBBS, MBA, Physician at LivHealth
Edited by Mary P. Hospedales
In celebrating International Men’s Day on Wednesday, November 19, let us recognise that men’s health and planetary health are inseparable. In Trinidad and Tobago, men face significant health challenges, including higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, certain cancers and lifestyle-related diseases. As the world confronts rising temperatures and global environmental changes, it is increasingly clear that men’s health cannot be viewed in isolation. Men’s wellbeing is directly tied to planetary wellbeing—especially for those in outdoor and industrial occupations. The climate crisis is already affecting their daily lives 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 compared to 80 years for females. Lifestyle risk factors more common in men—such as smoking, alcohol abuse and speeding—may help explain this statistic. Men also visit doctors less frequently and often delay seeking care, resulting in late diagnoses and more severe illness complications, which further contribute to the seven-year life expectancy gap.
While lifestyle risk factors are frequently emphasised, a growing body of research examining the links between climate change and human health suggests that these factors are not the whole story.
Heat fuh so
The Caribbean is especially vulnerable to climate-change-induced temperature rises and extreme weather. Earth’s average surface temperature has steadily increased for decades. In T&T and across the region, workers report higher rates of hospital admissions for dehydration, sunburn and fatigue due to increased temperatures. This is particularly important for men, who form the majority of the “on-the-field” workforce in construction, agriculture and fishing—sectors where workers are often exposed to the elements. Exposure to high temperatures isn’t just uncomfortable; it increases the risk of kidney disease and cardiovascular strain.
Fewer babies
Heat affects more than the ability to work. It also affects something many might never consider—fertility. Recent evidence suggests that climate-change-linked temperature increases may reduce sperm count and motility, and disrupt testosterone production, leading to decreased fertility overall. Sperm production depends on the testes being a few degrees cooler than core body temperature; 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 about climate change, but men face particular health risks given their increased likelihood of developing certain chronic diseases, their dominance in outdoor professions, and the direct health impacts of climate change itself. Men must begin taking these problems seriously.
That said, although the deterioration of Earth’s health due to climate change has negatively affected men’s health, all is not lost. In fact, steps that improve general health can also improve planetary health.
For example, shifting toward plant-rich diets, choosing local produce and reducing waste help the Earth—and people. Studies show that diets lower in red and processed meats (a stereotypical male favourite) reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers. 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 per cent 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 men like driving fast—there are, after all, ten Fast and Furious movies. Cars built for high speed burn huge amounts of fossil fuels, further contributing to climate change. But electric vehicles can often out-accelerate even the fanciest sports cars and are frequently cheaper to operate. And for men who aren’t chasing speed, why not cycle, walk or run? These choices improve health and fitness (perhaps even catching someone’s attention!) while reducing environmental impact.
The forces warming our planet strain men’s bodies and threaten fertility, but men are not powerless. Our daily choices—what we eat, how we travel and how we safeguard the environment—can heal both our bodies and our world.
Improving men’s health isn’t only about 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 are powerful expressions of strength, leadership and responsibility.
When men take charge of their health—and the Earth’s—families become stronger, communities safer and our islands more resilient. This International Men’s Day, let us 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.
