Investigating Climate Impacts on Vulnerable Groups: A Case Study of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Patients in Hong Kong

Abstract

Raising temperature due to climate change has created profound economic, environmental, and public health challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups such as chronic health patients. This study aims to develop an integrated framework to examine the impacts of rising temperature on vulnerable groups on three critical aspects of health-physical, mental, and social. We conduct a case study of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in Hong Kong. Utilising 53 surveys and 5 in-depth interviews, we found that the physical, mental, and social health of MS patients is adversely affected by increasing temperatures, leading to negatively impacts on daily living, emotional stability, and financial situations for MS patients. Furthermore, the lack of support from the government, power companies, and civil society in alleviating MS symptoms in Hong Kong is evident. This research provides policy recommendations for the HKSAR government, the business sector, and civil society to assist MS patients in managing exacerbating symptoms and physical discomfort during temperature increases, with subsidies on electricity expenses being the most pertinent suggestion for alleviating MS symptoms.