Prioritising climate change and health

Abstract

Climate change leads to two major changes in weather – an increase in average temperatures and an increase in the variability of weather. These, in turn, lead to increased possibilities of severe heat and cold waves. Extreme heat can lead to dangerous, even deadly, health consequences, including heat stress and heatstroke. Fortunately, heat-related illnesses are preventable with effective public health interventions. An efficient public health policy response to extreme heat events involves a sound risk management process, a robust early warning system and a strong strategy for widespread community awareness. Ahmedabad took the lead in implementing a citywide preparedness plan and developing city-specific heat-health thresholds. The Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (IIPHG) has developed and implemented threshold-based heat action plans in the city of Ahmedabad in collaboration with other partners. The experience in Ahmedabad provides compelling evidence that heat action plans can meaningfully reduce vulnerability to extreme heat and save lives. It is important for every healthcare student, doctor, nurse and allied health staff to learn about heat waves and their impact on health and how to protect the community.