Abstract
The Pacific island countries are particularly vulnerable to the environmental changes wrought by global climate change such as sea level rise, more frequent and intense extreme weather events and increasing temperatures. The potential biophysical changes likely to affect these countries have been identified and it is important that consideration be given to the implications of these changes on the health of their citizens.The potential health impacts of climatic changes on the population of the Solomon Islands were assessed through the use of a Health Impact Assessment framework. The process used a collaborative and consultative approach with local experts to identify the impacts to health that could arise from local environmental changes, considered the risks associated with these and proposed appropriate potential adaptive responses. Participants included knowledgeable representatives from the biophysical, socio-economic, infrastructure, environmental diseases and food sectors.The risk assessments considered both the likelihood and consequences of the health impacts occurring using a qualitative process. To mitigate the adverse effects of the health impacts, an extensive range of potential adaptation strategies were developed. The overall process provided an approach that could be used for further assessments as well as an extensive range of responses which could be used by sectors and to assist future decision making associated with the Solomon Islands’ responses to climate change.
Highlights
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th Assessment report has stated that, globally, increased mortality and morbidity as a consequence of climate change has commenced and will continue (IPCC, 2007)
The range of health problems arising from the environmental, social and economic changes that may be affected by climate change in the Solomon Islands was identified
The identified health impacts tend to emphasise the main public health risks that are dominant in a society in the stages of risk transition and show a mix of the traditional disease risks and some of the lifestyle risks associated within a society with excess intake of a high-energy diet and a more sedentary lifestyle
Summary
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th Assessment report has stated that, globally, increased mortality and morbidity as a consequence of climate change has commenced and will continue (IPCC, 2007). To respond to climate change adaptation strategies need to be developed and applied to ensure that any ensuing adverse health impacts are minimised (Cambell-Lendrum et al, 2006). In order to plan effective adaptation strategies the ways in which the environment and human health interact with climatic variability must be better understood (WHO, 2003a). This will allow predictions of likely health impacts to be made some uncertainty will be inevitable. It should be recognised that health effects can be either adverse or beneficial Those that are beneficial must be maximised while strategies that minimise the adverse effects must be available for implementation
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