Climate Hazards, Childhood Experiences, and Development Trajectories: The Long-Term Impact of GLOF Exposure

• In Event: Environmental Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 17: Community, Place, and Local Engagement

Abstract

This study examines the long-term impact of childhood exposure to Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) on adult human capital outcomes in the High Mountain Asia (HMA) region. Using historical GLOF data and geospatial mapping of downstream flood pathways, we identify treatment and control groups based on geographic proximity. Exposed children attain 1.4 to 1.7 fewer years of schooling and have a 1.9 to 2.2 kg/m² lower Body Mass Index (BMI) in adulthood compared to non-exposed children. Moreover, rural adolescents face greater educational losses, whereas urban residents experience more pronounced health impacts. Our findings provide valuable insights into the long-term costs of climate-induced disasters and underscore the need for targeted risk reduction strategies in vulnerable mountain communities.

Authors

• Olivia Finan, University College Dublin

• Orla Doyle, University College Dublin (UCD)

• Kira Finan