1.E. Workshop: Addressing vulnerability within climate change related health impacts

Abstract

Abstract Climate change (CCh) is having an impact on people's health and health systems, directly and indirectly. Drastic and sudden changes in climatic conditions with heat waves and rapid temperature variations, an increased risk of floods, droughts and forest fires are some of the direct impacts related to CCh, with important consequences on health (e.g. heatstroke, electrolyte imbalance, kidney, respiratory as well as infectious related diseases) and mental well-being (e.g. stress and anxiety for an uncertain future). Some indirect effects include the alteration of natural ecosystems, changing vector patterns, air pollution and aeroallergens, or increased food insecurity. For certain sectors of the population and some regions, these direct and indirect impacts overlap with many other environmental and socioeconomic stressors (e.g. overcrowded megacities, poverty and poor nutrition, living in highly contaminated sites, increased dependence on a remote global market, growing gender and class inequalities), increasing the already large vulnerability of those affected populations. Low- and middle-income countries are under greater threat, but more developed economies can be- and in fact are- severely affected as well. This is of particular concern in relation to children together with the elderly, both considered the most vulnerable population groups affected by CCh as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Adverse effects of altered environments during fetal or child developmental stages can result in irreversible and long-lasting health sequelae; uncertainty and loss of control in the face of CCh can have mental health consequences. Gathering best scientific evidence-based information on current and future health threats related to CCh from the perspective of the most vulnerable population subgroups is essential for an effective preparedness of the public health system, and therefore for lessening or avoiding many of those health impacts by applying well-designed and innovative adaptation measures. Health vulnerability and adaptation assessments to CCh requires establishing partnerships among different scientific domains (e.g. public health experts, environmentalists, meteorologists, social scientists), and stakeholders, including community representatives and policy makers. Present workshop, with 3 presenters and one panellist, aims at analysing and sharing expertise on the following aspects: Approaches for characterising health and well-being vulnerability and adaptation measures in the context of CCh by integrating future climatic and socio-economic drivers. Analysis of children's health vulnerability in a CCh context. European initiatives for promoting multidisciplinary scientific evidence analysis, and the interconnection with the decision-making process for the development of innovative and effective adaptation programs that enables diminishing health vulnerability against CCh. Key messages Expanded efforts in the health impact assessment of vulnerable groups against growing risks from climate change is needed for developing effective public health adaptation and preparedness programs. Addressing climate change health vulnerability requires of gathering scientific evidence and collaboration from multiple sectors and stakeholders adapted to regional/local context.