Climate change affecting fertility, population growth
Source: Chronicle News Service / Ngangom Suraj

Imphal, August 13 2025: Once known for its pleasant climate, rising temperatures (over 42.19 degree Celsius recorded in 2024) and frequent extreme weather events are no longer distant threats in Manipur but are now reshaping daily life and impacting human health in numerous ways.

Among the lesser-discussed impacts of climate change is its potential to affect fertility, a concern that carries grave implications for the state's already dwindling population.

Alongside factors such as poor nutrition, limited healthcare access, lifestyle changes, and environmental pollution, climate change could further strain reproductive health.

If these pressures remain unchecked, Manipuris could face a compounded crisis, one that threatens not just livelihoods, but the very demographic future of the region.

For instance, the total fertility rate of the Meetei community stands at 1.72, well below the replacement level of 2.This means that, on average, couples are having fewer than two children, insufficient to replace both parents in the long run.

If this trend continues, the population will inevitably decline; when two parents pass away, they are often survived by only one child, leading to a gradual reduction in numbers.

Experts warn that if fertility rates remain this low, the Meetei may face a significant demographic decline, with far-reaching social, cultural, and economic consequences.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) semen parameters, which refer to the reference values used to assess semen quality and male fertility, based on the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, has also seen sharp decline over the past few decades.

While several factors could impact this decline, climate change is inevitably one of the key reasons.

The cut off reference value for semen characteristic as per the WHO report published in 2021, the volume of semen per ejaculation (ml) for a healthy male was recorded at less than or equal to 2 in 1987, 1992 and 1999; while in 2010 and 2021 the recorded quantity was less than or equal to 1.5 and 1.4 respectively.

Sperm concentration (106/ml) declined to less than or equal to 15 and 16 in 2010 and 2021 respectively from less than or equal to 20 in 1980, 1987, 1992 and 1999.Total sperm count (106) also declined to less than or equal to 39 in 2010 and 2021 from less than or equal to 40 in 1987, 1992 and 1999.Total mobility rate (%) was less than or equal to 60 in 1980, 50 in 1987, 1992 and 1999, 40 in 2010 and 42 in 2021.Sperm vitality (%) was less than or equal to 50 in 1987, 75 in 1992 and 1999, 58 in 2010 and 54 in 2021.Normal morphology (%) was 80.5 in 1980, 50 in 1987, 30 in 1992, 14 in 1999, and 04 in 2010 and 2021.While leukocyte concentration (106/ml) was greater than 4.7 in 1980 and declined to greater than 1.0 in 1987, 1992, 1999 and 2010.In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, laparoscopic gynaecologist & fertility physician Dr James Elangbam, who is also the managing director of Acme Fertility and Healthcare Centre, opined that climate change may directly or indirectly affect human fertility.

In the case of Manipur, changing climatic conditions and widespread deforestation have led to the extinction of many native vegetables, fruits, medicinal plants, and fish species.

As a result, the people of the state now rely heavily on imported produce.

These imported products are often treated with chemicals to increase shelf life, and many of these chemicals are known to disrupt reproductive health.

Dr James explained that human sperm is produced in the testes, which are housed in the scrotum because this positioning is crucial as sperm cannot survive or develop properly at normal core body temperature.

The scrotum maintains an environment that is approximately 2 to 4 degrees Celsius cooler than the body's internal temperature, providing optimal conditions for sperm production.

However, during heat waves or periods of significantly elevated temperatures, this delicate thermal balance can be disrupted.

Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can impair the functioning of the testes, reduce sperm count, affect motility, and even lead to abnormal sperm formation.

Moreover, frequent extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and storms, can take a significant toll on mental health, leaving people stressed, anxious, and emotionally unsettled.

This mental distress can directly and indirectly affect fertility, as psychological well-being plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy reproductive function.

Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels in both men and women, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, reduced sperm quality, and overall diminished reproductive potential, Dr James explained.

He also pointed out that persistently high temperatures can reduce sexual or reproductive drive, as physical discomfort and fatigue often replace intimacy.

Hot weather can also lead to sleepless nights, and poor sleep quality is known to affect hormonal balance, lower libido, and impair fertility.

Over time, this combination of mental strain, reduced sexual activity, and physiological stress caused by extreme heat may significantly impact the reproductive health of affected populations.

(The report has been filed under the 6th Manipur State Level Media Fellowship Programme on Climate Change Reporting, sponsored by Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Manipur) .

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