Climate Change-related Health Risks Research Articles

Policy impact pathways of climate-related urban health vulnerability – A retrospective analysis

Climate change-related health risks are likely to become more prevalent in cities. Cities are also key actors in adaptation to these risks. Adaptation can take place through intentional measures to reduce vulnerability or exposure and unintentionally through other urban policy processes and outcomes. However, complex and dynamic relations between urban policy impacts and vulnerability development are an understudied phenomena. This limits the understanding of how urban climate-related health risks emerge and evolve. We examine urban policy pathways that influence vulnerability to climate-related health impacts with a most similar - most different case study. With a qualitative retrospective analysis of four urban areas in Finland we unveil the mechanism of how urban policy affects urban environment over time and how these impacts and changes shape vulnerability. Contrasting the most different cases, we show that urban policy impacts set differing preconditions to adaptation between local districts. We conclude by suggesting that to adapt to future challenges in cities with respect to social and ecological justice, it is necessary to mainstream adaptation into urban policies with continuous cross-sector and multi-level dialogue about the development of vulnerability.

How can outdoor sports protect themselves against climate change-related health risks? – A prevention model based on an expert Delphi study

ObjectivesTo systematically develop an adaptation model to reduce climate change-related health risks for outdoor athletes. DesignDelphi Method study. MethodsA classic asynchronous Delphi study was conducted with a total of three survey rounds. 24 experts from the eight largest outdoor sport associations by membership in the German Olympic Sports Confederation were included as well as 24 medical experts with expertise in sport medicine, internal medicine, allergology, dermatology, infectiology, or toxicology. Based on open-ended questions, panelists were asked to consider prevention measures for sport organizations and clubs. Free text responses were analyzed by qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. ResultsExperts recommended establishing the following eight fields of prevention measures: technical and structural measures; organizational measures; personalized measures; basic, advanced, and continuing education; concepts of action, warning concepts, and financial concepts; cooperation and coordination; campaigns; and evaluation measures. ConclusionsThe pyramid model presented in this study systematizes possible sport-specific adaptation measures on climate change by empirical aggregation of knowledge from scientists, sport organizations, clubs, trainers, and professional athletes. To assess the effectiveness of these prevention measures, sport organizations may incorporate them not only into broader operations but also everyday training routines.

Climate change-related health hazards in daycare centers in Munich, Germany: risk perception and adaptation measures

Due to their vulnerability, children need special protection from health effects of climate change, which are already noticeable today. Since a large proportion of children in Germany are in non-parental care during the day, the pedagogical staff in daycare centers play a crucial role in protecting children’s health. For this reason, a quantitative online survey was conducted among pedagogical staff (n = 181) in daycare centers of one provider in Munich, where children aged nine weeks to 10 years are cared for. It was examined how the pedagogical staff assesses the risk of climate change-related health hazards on children’s health and on its own health at work today and in the next 10 years. Additionally, it was surveyed whether or which measures for (health-related) adaptation to climate change and long-term climate change mitigation in the form of education for sustainable development (ESD) are implemented in the daycare centers. The results were statistically analyzed both descriptively and with multiple linear regression analyses to test the assumed associations. The results show that despite the strong perception of climate change-related health risks, their implementation in corresponding protection and adaptation measures is insufficient in most of the daycare centers surveyed. The informedness of the pedagogical staff proved to be a decisive influencing factor in the implementation of measures. Therefore, in addition to stronger implementation of structural adaptation measures in daycare centers, target group-specific knowledge and instructions for action should also be increasingly conveyed in the training curricula and further education of pedagogical staff.

Climate change vulnerability, adaptation assessment, and policy development for occupational health

Global climate change exposes workers to increased air temperature, polluted air, and ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion, increased extreme weather events, and evolving patterns of vectorborne diseases. These climate change hazards are causing acute and chronic health problems to workers. The occupational distribution of the population is the most vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change worldwide. Climate change-related adverse health hazards to the general population is getting evident around the globe. A limited focus has been made on developing a relationship between climate change and related occupational health hazards. This policy paper aims to guide health officials and policymakers to develop a climate change mitigation policy for the occupational distribution of the population. Absolute magnitude determination of climate changerelated health risks is essential to developing projecting models and predicting future hazards and risks. These models will help us to estimate climate change and environmental exposure, susceptibility of the exposed population, and capacity of public health practice and services to reduce climate change impact. Adaptation policies in international, national, and local occupational settings are required to acclimatize the workers and mitigate climate change-related adverse effects.

Klimawandel und Kindergesundheit: eine bundesweite Befragung von Pädiater*innen in Deutschland

BackgroundChildren are a vulnerable group affected by climate change. Paediatricians are important actors in protecting children from climate change-related health risks and in identifying and treating relevant health effects. The main objectives of this study were to determine how paediatricians assess the relevance of climate change-related health impacts, through which channels paediatricians can be reached most effectively, how often climate change-specific prevention measures are implemented and how they are assessed. MethodsBetween February and July 2020, an online survey was conducted among paediatricians. The cross-sectional survey was designed to gather knowledge and attitudes about the relevance of climate change, sources of information and prevention measures. All participants who answered only one question or none at all were excluded. Differences between groups were determined using one-factorial analysis of variance. Correlations were determined using Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis and tested for two-sided significance. ResultsA total of 408 questionnaires were analysed. Over 95% of the respondents were paediatricians, with just under half of them working in children's hospitals and a good third in paediatric practices. According to paediatricians, climate change has a relevant impact on children's health. The most significant effects on children's health were considered to be longer and stronger pollen seasons, neophytes and neozoa, Lyme disease and TBE (tick-borne encephalitis, summer meningoencephalitis), UV radiation and air pollutants. Certified training options in professional journals and participation in lectures or workshops at relevant congresses were identified as the two preferred types of training. Especially professional journals as the most frequently used source of information could function as a suitable tool to reach as many paediatricians as possible. 76% of the paediatricians have not yet carried out any corresponding prevention activities, although information activities for parents or children were seen as being effective by 80%. Whereas the possibilities of integrating climate change-oriented prevention activities into everyday practice, were perceived less positively. The most frequent reason given was lack of time. DiscussionTo satisfy this future need for knowledge, but also for offerings from paediatricians for patients and their parents, concrete further continuous education and consultancy services must be prepared. In the future, further training offers, including the consultancy services, should be integrated into profession-specific training modules, presented at congresses, and then implemented into paediatricians’ daily routine. ConclusionThe results of the study illustrate that the topic “climate change and health” has a high relevance for paediatricians and that information measures for parents are considered to be effective. Although paediatricians are concerned with the topic, there is an implementation deficit. Support is needed in the form of intensifying awareness-raising projects and educational modules for paediatricians to move from knowledge to action.

Perspectives of Local Community Leaders, Health Care Workers, Volunteers, Policy Makers and Academia on Climate Change Related Health Risks in Mukuru Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya-A Qualitative Study.

Sub-Saharan Africa has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The objective of this study was to explore knowledge and perspectives on climate change and health-related issues, with a particular focus on non-communicable diseases, in the informal settlement (urban slum) of Mukuru in Nairobi, Kenya. Three focus group discussions and five in-depth interviews were conducted with total of 28 participants representing local community leaders, health care workers, volunteers, policy makers and academia. Data were collected using semi-structured interview guides and analyzed using grounded theory. Seven main themes emerged: climate change related diseases, nutrition and access to clean water, environmental risk factors, urban planning and public infrastructure, economic risk factors, vulnerable groups, and adaptation strategies. All participants were conscious of a link between climate change and health. This is the first qualitative study on climate change and health in an informal settlement in Africa. The study provides important information on perceived health risks, risk factors and adaptation strategies related to climate change. This can inform policy making, urban planning and health care, and guide future research. One important strategy to adapt to climate change-associated health risks is to provide training of local communities, thus ensuring adaptation strategies and climate change advocacy.

Climate-specific health literacy and medical advice: The potential for health co-benefits and climate change mitigation. An exploratory study

BackgroundDespite scientific consensus about the risks of climate change on human health, patients’ knowledge on climate change related health risks is largely unexplored. The current study aimed to investigate the current state of climate-specific healthy literacy in patients and the impact of climate-specific medical advice on patients’ behavior regarding health co-benefits. MethodsIn December 2020 and January 2021, a total of 449 questionnaires comprising 23 items were completed by patients of general practitioners (GPs) and gynecologists. ResultsThe majority of general consultations by physicians (86.6% patients from GPs, 84.5% from gynecologists) did not contain any information about climate change or planetary health. Results indicated that climate change is regarded as a global health threat (84.3%) rather than a concern for patients’ own health (66.4%). Patients who received climate-specific medical advice by their physician showed higher knowledge about and awareness of climate change related health risks (p = 0.002) as well as emotional concern for their own health (p = 0.04) than patients who did not receive advice. Climate-friendly behavior was associated with greater concern about climate change related health-risks (p<0.0001). ConclusionsClimate-specific health literacy may play an important role for health co-benefits and climate change mitigation. In order to promote and protect both individual and planetary health, it is crucial to improve the status of climate-specific health literacy.

The ENBEL project: From research findings to policy

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Horizon 2020 ENBEL project (Enhancing Belmont Research Action to support EU policy making on climate change and health) brings together climate change and health research projects from Belmont Forum, EU’s Horizon2020 and other international and national funding schemes. The aim is to achieve convergence between climate change and health research and policy making, to optimise research outputs across the projects, standardise epidemiological measures and research approaches, where possible, and contribute to policy advice. ENBEL focuses on three major climate change related health hazards: environmental and occupational heat, air pollution (particularly from wildfires) and climate-sensitive infectious diseases, with specific attention to high-risk groups. METHODS: The overall concept of ENBEL is a bottom-up approach to networking and cooperation across often separate worlds of climate and health research communities. We aim to mainstream climate change into health conferences and vice versa to increase understanding, knowledge exchange and collaboration and enable integrated and evidence-based policy advice for mitigating impacts of climate change on human health. The network is synthesizing research evidence on climate change and health links and engaging with policymakers to translate science into policies. We will undertake evidence gap analysis of adaptation policies, strategies and measures to identify evidence gaps in Europe and Africa and produce tailor-made knowledge products. RESULTS:The network is bringing together researchers and experts on climate change and health and contribute to bridge gaps in approaches and methods that can make collaboration difficult, and thereby laying the ground for establishing actionable knowledge on climate change-related health risks. CONCLUSIONS:ENBEL will formalise a strong network of projects and researchers at the forefront of the climate change and health nexus. The synthesis of knowledge from a broad range of scientific institutions will enable decision-makers to make evidence-based decision to alleviate climate change impacts on health. KEYWORDS: Climate, Wildfires, Infectious diseases, International collaboration, Research translation to affect policy and practice

Predicting Responses to Climate Change Health Impact Messages From Political Ideology and Health Status: Cognitive Appraisals and Emotional Reactions as Mediators

The present study employed a longitudinal survey experiment with American adults to investigate whether cognitive and emotional appraisals of messages about climate change related health risks woul...

Predicting Responses to Climate Change Health Impact Messages From Political Ideology and Health Status: Cognitive Appraisals and Emotional Reactions as Mediators

The present study employed a longitudinal survey experiment with American adults to investigate whether cognitive and emotional appraisals of messages about climate change related health risks would mediate the relationships between participants’ individual differences (in political ideology and health) and their perceived harm to self and support for climate change policies. The study found that liberals and people with poorer health evaluated the messages as more useful and interesting and generated more negative emotions toward the negative health consequences of climate change. In turn, they reported higher perceived harm to self from climate change and stronger support for climate policies, compared to conservatives and people with better health.

Temperature as a modifier of the effects of air pollution on cardiovascular disease hospital admissions in Cape Town, South Africa.

Climate change and air pollution are two independent risk factors to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Few studies investigated their interaction and potential effect modification of one another in developing countries. Individual level CVD hospital admission (ICD10: I00-I99) data for 1 January 2011 to 31 October 2016 were obtained from seven private hospitals in Cape Town. NO2, SO2, PM10, temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the South African Weather Services and the City of Cape Town. A case-crossover epidemiological study design and conditional logistic regression model were applied. Various cut-off values were applied to classify cold and warm days. In total, 54,818 CVD hospital admissions were included in the study. In general, on warm and cold days the 15-64years old group was more at risk for CVD hospitalization with increasing air pollution levels compared to all ages combined or the ≥ 65years old group. Females appeared to be more at risk than males with increasing PM10 levels. In contrast, males were more vulnerable to the effects of NO2 and SO2 than females. The study showed the modification effect of temperature on air pollution associated with CVD hospital admissions. The consideration of such interaction will help in policy making and public health interventions dealing with climate change-related health risks.

Projected local rain events due to climate change and the impacts on waterborne diseases in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

BackgroundClimate change is increasing the number and intensity of extreme weather events in many parts of the world. Precipitation extremes have been linked to both outbreaks and sporadic cases of waterborne illness. We have previously shown a link between heavy rain and turbidity to population-level risk of sporadic cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in a major Canadian urban population. The risk increased with 30 or more dry days in the 60 days preceding the week of extreme rain. The goal of this study was to investigate the change in cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis risk due to climate change, primarily change in extreme precipitation.MethodsCases of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis were extracted from a reportable disease system (1997–2009). We used distributed lag non-linear Poisson regression models and projections of the exposure-outcome relationship to estimate future illness (2020–2099). The climate projections are derived from twelve statistically downscaled regional climate models. Relative Concentration Pathway 8.5 was used to project precipitation derived from daily gridded weather observation data (~ 6 × 10 km resolution) covering the central of three adjacent watersheds serving metropolitan Vancouver for the 2020s, 2040s, 2060s and 2080s.ResultsPrecipitation is predicted to steadily increase in these watersheds during the wet season (Oct. -Mar.) and decrease in other parts of the year up through the 2080s. More weeks with extreme rain (>90th percentile) are expected. These weeks are predicted to increase the annual rates of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis by approximately 16% by the 2080s corresponding to an increase of 55–136 additional cases per year depending upon the climate model used. The predicted increase in the number of waterborne illness cases are during the wet months. The range in future projections compared to historical monthly case counts typically differed by 10–20% across climate models but the direction of change was consistent for all models.DiscussionIf new water filtration measures had not been implemented in our study area in 2010–2015, the risk of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis would have been expected to increase with climate change, particularly precipitation changes. In addition to the predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, the frequency and length of wet and dry spells could also affect the risk of waterborne diseases as we observed in the historical period. These findings add to the growing evidence regarding the need to prepare water systems to manage and become resilient to climate change-related health risks.

How Development Choices Could Alter the Capacity of Health Systems

Background: Individual and collective choices will determine the pattern of demographic, socioeconomic, and technologic changes that will, in turn, affect the transitioning to a more resilient and sustainable world, including the burden of climate-sensitive health outcomes. Methods: Using a set of socioeconomic development trajectories, the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), along with the World Health Organization&amp;#8217;s Operational Framework for Building Climate Resilient Health Systems, we extend existing narratives to illustrate how aspects of health systems are likely to change over this century, and the implications of these trends for population health. Five narratives describe worlds with varying degrees of challenges to adaptation and mitigation. Results: Very different health system capacities and burdens of climate-sensitive health outcomes will likely arise under different development pathways, with substantial implications for population health. Transitioning to a more resilient and sustainable world to prepare for and manage the effects of climate change is likely to result in strengthened capacity to manage impacts that do arise and to better health outcomes overall. Continued significant fossil fuel use will likely result in high burdens of preventable conditions, such as undernutrition, malaria, and diarrheal diseases, coupled with reduced capacity to manage these challenges. The magnitude and pattern of health burdens and capacity of health systems will vary under other development pathways. Further research should examine how health systems are coping with health and climate change challenges, and the information, tools, and resources need to increase the capacity to manage future climate change-related health risks.

Making Administrative Systems Adaptive to Emerging Climate Change-Related Health Effects: Case of Estonia

To facilitate resilience to a changing climate, it is necessary to go beyond quantitative studies and take an in-depth look at the functioning of health systems and the variety of drivers shaping its effectiveness. We clarify the factors determining the effectiveness of the Estonian health system in assessing and managing the health risks of climate change. Document analyses, expert interviews with key informants from health systems whose responsibilities are relevant to climate change, and analysis of a population-based survey conducted in 2015, indicate that the health effects of climate change have not been mainstreamed into policy. Therefore, many of the potential synergistic effects of combining information on health systems, environment, and vulnerable populations remain unexploited. The limited uptake of the issue of climate change-related health risks may be attributed to the lack of experience with managing extreme weather events; limited understanding of how to incorporate projections of longer-term health risks into policies and plans; unclear divisions of responsibility; and market liberal state approaches. Minority groups and urban dwellers are placing strong pressure on the health system to address climate change-related risks, likely due to their lower levels of perceived control over their physical wellbeing. The results have implications for national, community, and individual resilience in upper-middle income countries in Eastern Europe.

Efforts to counter climate change-related health risks need to be put centre stage, says WHO

Efforts to counter climate change-related health risks need to be put centre stage, says WHO

Motivators and Barriers to Incorporating Climate Change-Related Health Risks in Environmental Health Impact Assessment

Climate change presents risks to health that must be addressed by both decision-makers and public health researchers. Within the application of Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA), there have been few attempts to incorporate climate change-related health risks as an input to the framework. This study used a focus group design to examine the perceptions of government, industry and academic specialists about the suitability of assessing the health consequences of climate change within an EHIA framework. Practitioners expressed concern over a number of factors relating to the current EHIA methodology and the inclusion of climate change-related health risks. These concerns related to the broad scope of issues that would need to be considered, problems with identifying appropriate health indicators, the lack of relevant qualitative information that is currently incorporated in assessment and persistent issues surrounding stakeholder participation. It was suggested that improvements are needed in data collection processes, particularly in terms of adequate communication between environmental and health practitioners. Concerns were raised surrounding data privacy and usage, and how these could impact on the assessment process. These findings may provide guidance for government and industry bodies to improve the assessment of climate change-related health risks.

Drought, drying and climate change: Emerging health issues for ageing Australians in rural areas

Older Australians living in rural areas have long faced significant challenges in maintaining health. Their circumstances are shaped by the occupations, lifestyles, environments and remoteness which characterise the diversity of rural communities. Many rural regions face threats to future sustainability and greater proportions of the aged reside in these areas. The emerging changes in Australia's climate over the past decade may be considered indicative of future trends, and herald amplification of these familiar challenges for rural communities. Such climate changes are likely to exacerbate existing health risks and compromise community infrastructure in some instances. This paper discusses climate change-related health risks facing older people in rural areas, with an emphasis on the impact of heat, drought and drying on rural and remote regions. Adaptive health sector responses are identified to promote mitigation of this substantial emerging need as individuals and their communities experience the projected impact of climate change.

Identifying practical adaptation options: an approach to address climate change-related health risks

Abstract There is little guidance for the health sector on identifying and prioritizing practical adaptation options to reduce current and projected burdens of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes at local and regional levels. An approach is outlined that identifies all theoretically possible adaptation options to reduce adverse climate change-related health outcomes through a search of current practice and experience and through expert solicitation. This theoretical range of choices can then be screened to generate a list of measures that are practical for implementation in a particular population and region. This approach is applied to a theoretical country facing a projected increase in malaria due to climate change. Prioritizing the options should take into consideration technical viability, human and financial resource capacity, compatibility with current policies, and other constraints. Policy makers can combine the information generated with other considerations to select measures for implementation.

Protecting health from climate change

Protecting health from climate change

Climate Change-related Health Impacts in the Hindu Kush–Himalayas

Our goal was to identify the climate change-related health risks and vulnerable populations specific to the mountainous regions of the Hindu Kush–Himalayas. We reviewed published information of the likely health consequences of climate change in mountain regions, especially the findings of a workshop for countries in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya region, organized by the World Health Organization, World Meteorological Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and United Nations Development Programme. The main climate-related risks in the Hindu Kush–Himalaya region include the expansion of vector-borne diseases as pathogens take advantage of new habitats in altitudes that were formerly unsuitable. Diarrheal diseases could become more prevalent with changes in freshwater quality and availability. More extreme rainfall events are likely to increase the number of floods and landslides with consequent death and injuries. A unique risk is sudden floods from high glacier lakes, which cause substantial destruction and loss of life. Because glaciers are the main source of freshwater for upland regions and downstream countries, the long-term reduction in annual glacier snowmelt is expected to heighten existing water insecurity in these areas. Climate change also is bringing some benefits to mountain populations, including milder winters and longer growing seasons. Populations in mountain regions have unique combinations of vulnerabilities to climate change. The extent of the health impacts experienced will depend on the effectiveness of public health efforts to identify and implement low-cost preparedness and response measures, and on the speed at which emissions of greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced.