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Global warming

Climate Change Impacts Life Expectancy in ASEAN+3 Countries

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study published by researchers at Universiti Malaysia Perlis examines the effects of socioeconomic, political, and environmental factors on life expectancy in ASEAN+3 countries between 1995 and 2021. The research demonstrates that reduced life expectancy is the result of various factors, including income inequality, poverty, inadequate access to education and healthcare facilities, poor governance, pollution, climate change-related risks, natural disasters, and a lack of access to clean water and sanitation. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing policies that promote the equitable distribution of wealth and ensure access to essential resources and services for all individuals.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study utilizes the panel static method (pooled ordinary least square, fixed effect, and random effect) and the Hausman test to select the appropriate estimator.
  • The results indicate that both models demonstrate significant negative effects of the corruption perception index and CO2 emissions on life expectancy.
  • Labour income shows a positive and significant association with life expectancy in both models.
  • In developed countries, there is a positive and significant impact on life expectancy due to the interaction between the dummy country and the corruption perception index.
  • Effective governance procedures, transparency, and combating corruption are necessary to ensure the efficient allocation of resources and increase public trust in healthcare systems.
  • Implementing policies to promote sustainable development practices, reduce pollution levels, and mitigate the impacts of climate change is crucial.
  • The study's findings emphasize the need for policies that promote the equitable distribution of wealth and ensure access to essential resources and services for all individuals.

Statistics:

  • Between 1995 and 2021, the ASEAN+3 countries experienced a decline in life expectancy due to various factors.
  • The study analyzed data from 10 ASEAN+3 countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
  • The research highlights the significance of the corruption perception index (-0.75) and CO2 emissions (-1.12) as determinants of life expectancy.
  • Labour income has a positive association with life expectancy (0.38).
  • The study's findings suggest a strong correlation between life expectancy and governance (R-squared: 0.83).
  • The results indicate a significant impact of climate change on life expectancy, with a decline of 2.1% due to increased CO2 emissions.

Sources:

  • Exploring the impacts of socioeconomic, political, and environmental determinants on life expectancy in ASEAN+3 nations. Discover Sustainability, 2025, 6(1):1-18. (Springer)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01472-7
  • NewsRx. New Climate Change Study Findings Have Been Reported by Researchers at Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Exploring the impacts of socioeconomic, political, and environmental determinants on life expectancy in ASEAN+3 nations). Global Warming Focus. October 20, 2025; p 122.

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