Building Resilient Cities: Climate Change and Health Interlinkages in the Planning of Public Spaces.

Eleonora Orsetti,Jordi Morató,Nicola Tollin,Vanessa Agudelo Valderrama,Martin Lehmann

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031355

Abstract

Greenhouse gases emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels are worsening air quality and affecting the climate system. While climate change impacts on meteorological variables affects air quality by altering the concentration and distribution of pollutants, air pollution significantly influences the climate, leading to negative impacts on human health. Due to the combination of high temperatures, air pollution, and high population density, cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. The planning and design of public spaces aimed at climate change mitigation and adaptation can result in multiple co-benefits for human health, while reducing social inequalities. To address the major research gaps in the communication between health and planning experts, and the lack of capacity among public sectors and policy makers, it is necessary to promote capacity building and knowledge sharing between the planning and health sectors. The purpose of this article is to develop preliminary recommendations for a process that allows a comprehensive assessment of the interlinkages between climate and health, social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities, and the quality of the urban spaces, to support local governments, policymakers, and education institutions in making informed decisions for public spaces. The methods applied were a literature review and interviews with experts.

Highlights

IntroductionAir pollution significantly impacts human health and, according to the European
The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) states that the better integration of health into climate planning, improved capacity of health systems, development of policies aimed at reducing climate vulnerability of the built environment, and further implementation of early warning systems are essential to building local health adaptive capacity [35]
Sub question 1: How can planning strategies for public spaces contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation and the reduction in social and environmental inequalities, improving health in cities?

Summary

Introduction

Air pollution significantly impacts human health and, according to the European. Commission, it is perceived as the second biggest environmental concern for Europeans, after climate change [3]. GHGs emissions are the cause of both deterioration of air quality and climate change. Air pollution and climate change have a reciprocal influence, leading to negative impacts on human health. Impacts on human health are determined mainly by exposure to climate-related hazards, populations’ vulnerability, resilience, and mitigation and adaptation actions. Cities are the largest contributors to GHGs emissions and at the same time extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts, especially urban lower socio-economic population groups. Assessing climate-related risks and the response of health systems are critical steps to improve population health and increase urban resilience.

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Conclusion