Mortality is one of the most salient consequences of climate change. Existing estimates have largely focused on the direct effects of local heat exposure. This column argues that this perspective can miss an important part of the overall health burden. New evidence based on fluctuations in global temperature suggests that climate change also affects mortality indirectly through its effects on economic activity and living standards. Accounting for these broader channels substantially increases estimated mortality damages and highlights an important role for economic resilience in limiting the health consequences of climate change.
