As the climate warms, there may be a slight increase in male newborns

The United Nations' top climate science panel warned, in October, of the disastrous consequences around the world if temperatures continue to rise at current rates. Some threats are predictable: rising seas would displace coastal communities, extreme storms would continue to kill people, and drought would render some places inhospitable, or deadly.

Other threats are more subtle. In a 2018 study, for instance, researchers outlined the link between climate change and mental health. It found that rising temperatures could cause increased rates of depression.

A recent study highlights another subtle, yet significant consequence climate change could bring upon the global community: changes to the ratio of male-to-female newborns.

The ratio of male to female newborns is fairly constant worldwide, though the ratio has tilted slightly in favor of males since the 17th century, at about 103 to 106 males born for every 100 females. Why, exactly, the ratio isn't 50:50 has long eluded scientists.

One leading theory says the reason there are more boys than girls at birth is because boys are more likely to die in early childhood. So, in order for a population to reach something like a 50:50 split at reproductive age, it makes sense that the ratio would slightly favor boys.

Source: bigthink.com

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter