The Intelligence from The Economist Buns in ovens: heatwaves and maternal health
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Sep 9, 2025 
Avantika Chilkoti, a Global Business Correspondent for The Economist, dives into the pressing issues of climate change and maternal health. She highlights the alarming rise in preterm births linked to extreme heat, particularly for marginalized communities. The conversation also touches on the revival of Marks & Spencer, reflecting on its nostalgic appeal while addressing challenges like Brexit repercussions. Additionally, Chilkoti discusses innovative strategies to tackle India's chaotic urban infrastructure and improve traffic conditions in major cities.
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Heat Raises Global Preterm Birth Risk
- Large studies show heat raises preterm birth risk globally, with each 1°C increasing odds by ~4% and heatwaves by ~26%.
- Researchers view this as a clear, worldwide climate-health effect needing targeted study of mechanisms.
Preterm Birth's Long Shadow
- Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal death and causes lasting developmental and health problems for survivors.
- These outcomes impose large human and economic costs beyond the immediate newborn period.
Mechanisms Remain Unclear, Big Cohorts Underway
- Researchers lack clear biological mechanisms linking heat to pregnancy outcomes because most work is statistical rather than physiological.
- Large, logistically complex cohorts (eg. Pakistan study) aim to monitor women, temperatures, scans and placentas to identify causal points.