The impact of early-life exposure to high temperatures on child development: evidence from China

Child stunting, closely linked with economic loss in adulthood, is largely irreversible and mainly occurs in poor countries. We estimate the impact of in utero exposure to high temperatures on child height and stunting in China. Experiencing high temperatures during the in utero period, especially during the first and second trimesters, significantly decreases height-for-age z-scores and increases the risk of stunting and severe stunting. Male children and northern children show greater responses to hot days during pregnancy. Suggestive evidence indicates that birth outcomes, household income, and parental investments may be potential channels underlying the high temperature-child height relationship. Without mitigation and adaptation measures by governments and individuals, future climate change will continue to undermine children's development. Policymakers should pay increasing attention to pregnant women and take interventions during pregnancy to prevent the persistently harmful effects of high temperatures on child growth.