@article{10.37349/edd.2026.1005131,
abstract = {Climate change (CC) affects our health in ways especially when it comes to liver diseases. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are altering the spread and severity of liver diseases. CC can affect health, especially liver diseases, in direct and indirect ways. Hepatic infections such as viral hepatitis and schistosomiasis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) are examples. The movement of infected individuals from areas where diseases are endemic, prompted by ecological disasters, introduces these diseases to previously unexposed regions. CC serves as an early warning for shifts and the necessity to re-evaluate hepatic diseases, which is crucial for health policymakers. Ambient temperature and its variability have a major influence on the pathogenesis of MASLD, demonstrating nonlinear exposure–response relationships. Long-term temperature exposure follows a reverse J-shaped pattern, while temperature variability shows a U-shaped association, with both extremes independently increasing disease susceptibility. Prolonged exposure to cold and fluctuations in temperature could worsen various liver diseases. Gaining a deeper insight into these CC-related risks for our patients and practice is essential to optimize their care both now and in the warmer temperatures ahead. Incorporating climate resilience into public health initiatives may aid in alleviating the growing prevalence of liver diseases linked to CC. Aside from increasing awareness, which should take precedence, there is a pressing need to investigate innovative ways to frame the educational message and eliminate financial incentives that contribute to environmental damage. Common climate strategies for healthcare systems include reducing and managing waste, utilizing cleaner and less energy, offering and endorsing planet-friendly food options, and addressing transportation issues related to accessing healthcare facilities, such as transitioning in-person appointments to virtual consultations when possible, encouraging green-endoscopy practices, and participating in conferences virtually can be beneficial.},
author = {Elghannam, Maged Tharwat and Hassanien, Moataz Hassan and Ameen, Yosry Abdelrahman and Turky, Emad Abdelwahab and ELattar, Gamal Mohammed and Abu-Taleb, Hoda Mohamed and ELRay, Ahmed Aly and ELTalkawy, Mohammed Darwish},
doi = {10.37349/edd.2026.1005131},
journal = {Exploration of Digestive Diseases},
elocation-id = {1005131},
title = {Climate change and liver diseases: from infectious disease dynamics to metabolic and malignant liver disorders, and sustainable healthcare solutions},
url = {https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/edd/Article/1005131},
volume = {5},
year = {2026}
}