Impact of climate change on non-communicable diseases caused by altered UV radiation

Climate change and public health in Germany - A synthesis of options for action from the German status report on climate change and health 2023

Background

This article represents the conclusion of the updated German status report on climate change and health, which was jointly written by authors from over 30 national institutions and organisations. The objectives are (a) to synthesise the options for action formulated in the report, (b) to combine them into clusters and guiding principles, (c) to address the success factors for implementation, and (d) to combine the options for action into target parameters.

Methods

The options for action from the individual contributions of the status report were systematically recorded and categorised (n=236). Topical clusters were then formed with reference to Essential Public Health Functions, and options for action were assigned to them.

Results

Eight topical clusters of options for action and ten guiding principles were identified. These can be summarised in four overarching meta-levels of action: (a) cross-sectorally coordinated structural and behavioural prevention, (b) monitoring, surveillance, and digitalisation (including early warning systems), (c) development of an ecologically sustainable and resilient public health system, and (d) information, communication, and participation. The main success factors for implementation are the design of governance, positive storytelling and risk communication, proactive management of conflicting goals, and a cross-sectoral co-benefit approach.

Conclusions

Based on the status report, systematically compiled target parameters and concrete options for action are available for public health.

Climate change and health equity: A public health perspective on climate justice

Background

The discourse on climate justice has developed from the theoretical approaches and discussions on environmental justice. A central tenet of the concept of environmental and climate justice is that environmental and climate issues cannot be seen in isolation from issues of social justice.

Methods

A conceptual model was developed on the relationship between climate change impacts, social dimensions, adaptive capacities, biological sensitivity, and health equity in order to systematically analyse climate justice. Based on an exploratory literature review and the evaluation of the individual contributions of the status report on climate change and health, the evidence in Germany on social inequalities in exposure to climate change impacts and vulnerability to their direct and indirect health effects was summarised.

Results

This paper provides an overview of the international debate and examples of evidence on climate justice in Germany. Climate justice in the sense of avoidable, unjust social inequalities in exposure, vulnerability, and the effects of climate mitigation and adaptation measures on health inequalities is still insufficiently addressed in Germany.

Conclusions

A consistent integration of equity issues into climate policy is necessary. With reference to the international literature, options for action and research needs are identified.