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Muhia J, Rethlefsen ML, Rossington B, Wedmore F, Pattnaik A, Smith R, Schroter S. Health journal coverage of climate change and health: a bibliometric study. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014498. [PMID: 38388162 PMCID: PMC10884201 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To find what proportion of a broad set of health journals have published on climate change and health, how many articles they have published, and when they first published on the subject. DESIGN Bibliometric study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted electronic searches in Ovid MEDLINE ALL for articles about climate change and human health published from 1860 to 31 December 2022 in 330 health journals. There were no limits by language or publication type. Results were independently screened by two raters for article eligibility. RESULTS After screening there were 2932 eligible articles published across 253 of the 330 journals between 1947 and 2022; most (2795/2932; 95%) were published in English. A few journals published articles in the early 90s, but there has been a rapid increase since about 2006. We were unable to categorise the types of publication but estimate that fewer than half are research papers. While articles were published in journals in 39 countries, two-thirds (1929/2932; 66%) were published in a journal published in the UK or the USA. Almost a quarter (77/330; 23%) of the journals published no eligible articles, and almost three-quarters (241/330; 73%) published five articles or fewer. The publication of joint editorials in over 200 journals in 2021 and 2022 boosted the number of journals publishing something on climate change and health. A third of the (112/330; 34%) journals in our sample published at least one of the joint editorials, and almost a third of those (32/112; 29%) were publishing on climate change and health for the first time. CONCLUSIONS Health journals are rapidly increasing the amount they publish on climate change and health, but despite climate change being the major threat to global health many journals had until recently published little or nothing. A joint editorial published in multiple journals increased coverage, and for many journals it was the first thing they published on climate change and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Muhia
- Centre for Global Mental Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melissa L Rethlefsen
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Ben Rossington
- Thrive LDN, Transformation Partners in Health and Care, London, UK
- Public Representative, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sara Schroter
- BMJ, London, UK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Bartlett VL, Doernberg H, Mooghali M, Gupta R, Wallach JD, Nyhan K, Chen K, Ross JS. Published research on the human health implications of climate change between 2012 and 2021: cross sectional study. BMJ MEDICINE 2024; 3:e000627. [PMID: 38352020 PMCID: PMC10862342 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2023-000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Objective To better understand the state of research on the effects of climate change on human health, including exposures, health conditions, populations, areas of the world studied, funding sources, and publication characteristics, with a focus on topics that are relevant for populations at risk. Design Cross sectional study. Data sources The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences climate change and human health literature portal, a curated bibliographical database of global peer reviewed research and grey literature was searched. The database combines searches of multiple search engines including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and includes added-value expert tagging of climate change exposures and health impacts. Eligibility criteria Inclusion criteria were peer reviewed, original research articles that investigated the health effects of climate change and were published in English from 2012 to 2021. After identification, a 10% random sample was selected to manually perform a detailed characterisation of research topics and publication information. Results 10 325 original research articles were published between 2012 and 2021, and the number of articles increased by 23% annually. In a random sample of 1014 articles, several gaps were found in research topics that are particularly relevant to populations at risk, such as those in the global south (134 countries established through the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation) (n=444; 43.8%), adults aged 65 years or older (n=195; 19.2%), and on topics related to human conflict and migration (n=25; 2.5%) and food and water quality and security (n=148; 14.6%). Additionally, fewer first authors were from the global south (n=349; 34.4%), which may partly explain why research focusing on these countries is disproportionally less. Conclusions Although the body of research on the health effects of climate change has grown substantially over the past decade, including those with a focus on the global south, a disproportionate focus continues to be on countries in the global north and less at risk populations. Governments are the largest source of funding for such research, and governments, particularly in the global north, need to re-orient their climate and health research funding to support researchers in the global south and to be more inclusive of issues that are relevant to the global south.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maryam Mooghali
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ravi Gupta
- Johns Hopkins Medicine School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua D Wallach
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph S Ross
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
- Section of General Internal Medicine and National Clinician Scholars Program, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Sprague NL, Uong SP, Zonnevylle H, Chatterjee T, Hernández D, Rundle AG, Ekenga CC. The CHANGE (Climate Health ANalysis Grading Evaluation) tool for weight of evidence reviews on climate change and health research. Environ Health 2024; 23:7. [PMID: 38243236 PMCID: PMC10797793 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has been identified as one of the biggest threats to human health. Despite this claim, there are no standardized tools that assess the rigor of published literature for use in weight of evidence (WOE) reviews. Standardized assessment tools are essential for creating clear and comparable WOE reviews. As such, we developed a standardized tool for evaluating the quality of climate change and health studies focused on evaluating studies that quantify exposure-response relationships and studies that implement and/or evaluate adaptation interventions. METHODS The authors explored systematic-review methodology to enhance transparency and increase efficiency in summarizing and synthesizing findings from studies on climate change and health research. The authors adapted and extended existing WOE methods to develop the CHANGE (Climate Health ANalysis Grading Evaluation) tool. The resulting assessment tool has been refined through application and subsequent team input. RESULTS The CHANGE tool is a two-step standardized tool for systematic review of climate change and health studies of exposure-response relationships and adaptation intervention studies. Step one of the CHANGE tool aims to classify studies included in weight-of-evidence reviews and step two assesses the quality and presence of bias in the climate change and health studies. CONCLUSION The application of the CHANGE tool in WOE reviews of climate change and health will lead to increased comparability, objectivity, and transparency within this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadav L Sprague
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Stephen P Uong
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Hannah Zonnevylle
- Soil and Crop Sciences, School of Integrative Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Trinish Chatterjee
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Hernández
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew G Rundle
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Christine C Ekenga
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Ansah-Mensah K, Osman A, Yalley CE, Adu-Boahen K. Global outlook of the multiplier effect of research and development on environmental sustainability. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291370. [PMID: 37733665 PMCID: PMC10513248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In a time of severe environmental problems and growing public and private expenditure to promote a sustainable society, studies on the impact of Research and Development (R&D) on environmental sustainability hardly ever exist. This study looked at how R&D promotes the attainment of environmentally sustainable goals, globally. Data at the country level was compiled from the United Nations-Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDG) database and the World Bank, then processed and analysed using spatial techniques such as spatial merge, autofill, autocorrelation, and geographic weighted regression. Expenditure on R&D and publications in scientific journals had a positive impact on SDGs 8 and 11 for all nations. R&D expenditure on SDG 8 was higher for Southern African countries. The impact of scientific and technical journal articles was greater for Middle East countries. Also, scientific and technical journal articles had greater effects on attainment of SDG 11 in Africa. Exports of high technology from South America and Europe were important for achieving SDG 15. However, the effect of patent and trademark applications had minimal effect on achieving environmentally sustainable goals. The study recommends boosting R&D expenditure by governments and international organisations, particularly in Africa because the multiplier impact extends beyond economic development to environmental sustainability which is necessary for the continent to abate the challenges of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kow Ansah-Mensah
- Department of Geography Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Adams Osman
- Department of Geography Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | | | - Kofi Adu-Boahen
- Department of Geography Education, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
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Roberts M, Colley K, Currie M, Eastwood A, Li KH, Avery LM, Beevers LC, Braithwaite I, Dallimer M, Davies ZG, Fisher HL, Gidlow CJ, Memon A, Mudway IS, Naylor LA, Reis S, Smith P, Stansfeld SA, Wilkie S, Irvine KN. The Contribution of Environmental Science to Mental Health Research: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5278. [PMID: 37047894 PMCID: PMC10094550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Mental health is influenced by multiple complex and interacting genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. As such, developing state-of-the-art mental health knowledge requires collaboration across academic disciplines, including environmental science. To assess the current contribution of environmental science to this field, a scoping review of the literature on environmental influences on mental health (including conditions of cognitive development and decline) was conducted. The review protocol was developed in consultation with experts working across mental health and environmental science. The scoping review included 202 English-language papers, published between 2010 and 2020 (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic), on environmental themes that had not already been the subject of recent systematic reviews; 26 reviews on climate change, flooding, air pollution, and urban green space were additionally considered. Studies largely focused on populations in the USA, China, or Europe and involved limited environmental science input. Environmental science research methods are primarily focused on quantitative approaches utilising secondary datasets or field data. Mental health measurement was dominated by the use of self-report psychometric scales. Measures of environmental states or exposures were often lacking in specificity (e.g., limited to the presence or absence of an environmental state). Based on the scoping review findings and our synthesis of the recent reviews, a research agenda for environmental science's future contribution to mental health scholarship is set out. This includes recommendations to expand the geographical scope and broaden the representation of different environmental science areas, improve measurement of environmental exposure, prioritise experimental and longitudinal research designs, and giving greater consideration to variation between and within communities and the mediating pathways by which environment influences mental health. There is also considerable opportunity to increase interdisciplinarity within the field via the integration of conceptual models, the inclusion of mixed methods and qualitative approaches, as well as further consideration of the socio-political context and the environmental states that can help support good mental health. The findings were used to propose a conceptual model to parse contributions and connections between environmental science and mental health to inform future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Roberts
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Kathryn Colley
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Margaret Currie
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Antonia Eastwood
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Kuang-Heng Li
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Lisa M. Avery
- Environmental and Biochemical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Lindsay C. Beevers
- Institute of Infrastructure and Environment, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Isobel Braithwaite
- UCL Institute of Health Informatics, 222 Euston Road, London NW1 2DA, UK
| | - Martin Dallimer
- Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Zoe G. Davies
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NR, UK
| | - Helen L. Fisher
- King’s College London, Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, King’s College London, 44-46 Aldwych, London WC2B 4LL, UK
| | - Christopher J. Gidlow
- Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DF, UK
| | - Anjum Memon
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Ian S. Mudway
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Units in Environmental Exposures and Health, and Chemical and Radiation Threats and Hazards, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Larissa A. Naylor
- School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, East Quadrangle, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Stefan Reis
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Bush Estate, Penicuik EH26 0QB, UK
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Pete Smith
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, 23 St Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, UK
| | - Stephen A. Stansfeld
- Centre for Psychiatry, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Stephanie Wilkie
- School of Psychology, Murray Library, City Campus, University of Sunderland, Sunderland SR1 3SD, UK
| | - Katherine N. Irvine
- Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Department, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland AB15 8QH, UK
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Ratwatte P, Wehling H, Phalkey R, Weston D. Prioritising Climate Change Mitigation Behaviours and Exploring Public Health Co-Benefits: A Delphi Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5094. [PMID: 36982003 PMCID: PMC10049208 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Climate change requires urgent action; however, it can be challenging to identify individual-level behaviours that should be prioritised for maximum impact. The study aimed to prioritise climate change mitigation behaviours according to their impacts on climate change and public health, and to identify associated barriers and facilitators-exploring the impact of observed behaviour shifts associated with COVID-19 in the UK. A three-round Delphi study and expert workshop were conducted: An expert panel rated mitigation behaviours impacted by COVID-19 in relation to their importance regarding health impacts and climate change mitigation using a five-point Likert scale. Consensus on the importance of target behaviours was determined by interquartile ranges. In total, seven target behaviours were prioritised: installing double/triple glazing; installing cavity wall insulation; installing solid wall insulation; moving away from meat/emission heavy diets; reducing the number of cars per household; walking shorter journeys; and reducing day/weekend leisure car journeys. Barriers related to the costs associated with performing behaviours and a lack of complementary policy-regulated subsidies. The target behaviours are consistent with recommendations from previous research. To ensure public uptake, interventions should address behavioural facilitators and barriers, dovetail climate change mitigation with health co-benefits and account for the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on these behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanjali Ratwatte
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Wiltshire, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Chilton, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
- Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Health Protection Research Unit (BSE HPRU), Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- Environmental Change and Health, Health Protection Research Unit (ECH HPRU), London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Helena Wehling
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Wiltshire, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
- Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Health Protection Research Unit (BSE HPRU), Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Revati Phalkey
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Chilton, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK
- Environmental Change and Health, Health Protection Research Unit (ECH HPRU), London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Dale Weston
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit (BSIU), UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Porton Down, Wiltshire, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
- Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Health Protection Research Unit (BSE HPRU), Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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Casson N, Cameron L, Mauro I, Friesen-Hughes K, Rocque R. Perceptions of the health impacts of climate change among Canadians. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:212. [PMID: 36721132 PMCID: PMC9887551 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding public perceptions of the health risks of climate change is critical to inform risk communication and support the adoption of adaptive behaviours. In Canada, very few studies have explored public understandings and perceptions of climate impacts on health. The objective of this study was to address this gap by exploring perceptions of the link between climate change and health. METHODS We conducted a survey of Canadians (n = 3,014) to address this objective. The 116-question survey measured prior consideration of the link between climate change and health, affective assessment of climate health impacts, unprompted knowledge of climate health impacts, and concern about a range of impacts. ANOVA tests were used to assess differences among sociodemographic groups. RESULTS Overall, Canadian's have a similar level of concern about health impacts of climate change compared with concern about other impacts (e.g. biophysical, economic, and national security). Among health-related impacts, respondents were more concerned about impacts on water, food and air quality, compared with impacts on mental health, infectious diseases and heat-related illnesses. There were differences among sociodemographic groups; women were significantly more concerned than men about all of the health-related impacts; respondents with a high school level of education were significantly less concerned about all health-related impacts compared with respondents with more education; and respondents on the political left were more concerned with those in the political centre, who were more concerned than those on the political right. CONCLUSION There is emerging literature suggesting that framing communication around climate change in terms of the health risks it poses may increase perceptions of the proximity of the risks. These results suggest that it is important to be specific in the types of health risks that are communicated, and to consider the concerns of the target sociodemographic groups. The differential knowledge, awareness, and concern of climate health impacts across segments of the Canadian population can inform targeted communication and engagement to build broader support for adaptation and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Casson
- Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Laura Cameron
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Ian Mauro
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Karl Friesen-Hughes
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
| | - Rhéa Rocque
- grid.267457.50000 0001 1703 4731Prairie Climate Centre, University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave, R3B 2E9 Winnipeg, MB Canada
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Corvetto JF, Helou AY, Dambach P, Müller T, Sauerborn R. A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Climate Change on the Global Demand for Psychiatric Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1190. [PMID: 36673946 PMCID: PMC9858749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change (CC) imposes important global health risks, including on mental health (MH). They are related mostly to psychological suffering caused by climate-related events and to the heat-vulnerability caused by psychiatric disorders. This growing burden may press MH services worldwide, increasing demand on public and private systems in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to PRISMA, two independent reviewers searched four databases for papers published before May 2022 that associated climate-related events with healthcare demand for psychiatric conditions. Of the 7432 papers retrieved, we included 105. Only 29 were carried out in low- and middle-income countries. Twelve related the admission numbers to (i) extreme events, while 93 to (ii) meteorological factors-mostly heat. Emergency visits and hospitalizations were significantly higher during hot periods for MH disorders, especially until lag 5-7. Extreme events also caused more consultations. Suicide (completed or attempted), substance misuse, schizophrenia, mood, organic and neurotic disorders, and mortality were strongly affected by CC. This high healthcare demand is evidence of the burden patients may undergo. In addition, public and private services may face a shortage of financial and human resources. Finally, the increased use of healthcare facilities, in turn, intensifies greenhouse gas emissions, representing a self-enforcing cycle for CC. Further research is needed to better clarify how extreme events affect MH services and, in addition, if services in low- and middle-income countries are more intensely demanded by CC, as compared to richer countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Feriato Corvetto
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ammir Yacoub Helou
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Peter Dambach
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Guihenneuc J, Ayraud-Thevenot S, Roschnik S, Dupuis A, Migeot V. Climate change and health care facilities: A risk analysis framework through a mapping review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114709. [PMID: 36343709 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Climate change (CC) has been identified as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century. Although health care facilities (HCF) play a central role in the care of populations, there has been no comprehensive assessment of the impact of CC on HCF. The objective of our study was to highlight the components of HCFs affected by CC through a mapping review of the literature. METHODS To meet our objective, we first assessed the place of HCFs in relation to CC in the scientific literature and in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports. Bibliometric data from the PubMed database were analyzed between 1979 and 2021 to assess the penetration of keywords on CC alone, and in relation to health and HCF in particular. Second, we analyzed the changes in HCF keywords in the IPCC reports. Finally, we conducted a mapping review in five databases, of the international scientific literature published between 1979 and 2019, and identified the components of HCF affected by CC using the Ishikawa diagram. RESULTS From the 2000s, the number of publications on CC and HCF increased gradually with 137 articles in 2005, and even more sharply since 2008 with 358 articles published and 813 in 2021. Even though CC is only recently present in the biomedical literature, all climatic events (warming and heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, hurricanes and cyclones, floods and sea-level rise, and other indirect effects) have had an impact on at least one component of HCF. CONCLUSION HCFs are already impacted, in all their components, by CC. By enhancing our understanding of the impacts of CC on HCF, this work could contribute to the engagement of health professionals in the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions, thereby limiting the consequences of CC on patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Guihenneuc
- University of Poitiers, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, F-86073 Poitiers Cedex, France; University Hospital of Poitiers, Biology-Pharmacy-Public Health Department, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; INSERM, Clinical Investigation Center 1402, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; University of Poitiers, CNRS UMR7267, Ecologie & Biologie des Interactions, F-86000 Poitiers, France.
| | - Sarah Ayraud-Thevenot
- University of Poitiers, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, F-86073 Poitiers Cedex, France; University Hospital of Poitiers, Biology-Pharmacy-Public Health Department, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; INSERM, Clinical Investigation Center 1402, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; University of Poitiers, CNRS UMR7267, Ecologie & Biologie des Interactions, F-86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Sonia Roschnik
- Health Care Without Harm Europe, 1 rue de la Pépinière, Brussels 1000, Belgium
| | - Antoine Dupuis
- University of Poitiers, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, F-86073 Poitiers Cedex, France; University Hospital of Poitiers, Biology-Pharmacy-Public Health Department, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; INSERM, Clinical Investigation Center 1402, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; University of Poitiers, CNRS UMR7267, Ecologie & Biologie des Interactions, F-86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Virginie Migeot
- University of Poitiers, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 rue de la Milétrie, TSA 51115, F-86073 Poitiers Cedex, France; University Hospital of Poitiers, Biology-Pharmacy-Public Health Department, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; INSERM, Clinical Investigation Center 1402, 2 rue de la Milétrie, F-86021 Poitiers, France; University of Poitiers, CNRS UMR7267, Ecologie & Biologie des Interactions, F-86000 Poitiers, France
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10
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Thomson D, Cumpston M, Delgado‐Figueroa N, Ebi KL, Haddaway N, Heijden M, Heyn PC, Lokotola CL, Meerpohl JJ, Metzendorf M, Parker ER, Phalkey R, Tovey D, Elm E, Webster RJ, Wieland SL, Young T. Protecting human health in a time of climate change: how Cochrane should respond. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 3:ED000156. [PMID: 35353372 PMCID: PMC9052374 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.ed000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Patricia C Heyn
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusMarymount UniversityUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Erik Elm
- Université de LausanneSwitzerland
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11
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Kiran D, Sander WE, Duncan C. Empowering Veterinarians to Be Planetary Health Stewards Through Policy and Practice. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:775411. [PMID: 35310413 PMCID: PMC8928474 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.775411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Veterinarians are established public health professionals, committing to promote public health when they take their veterinary oath. The issue of climate change and its impact on planetary health is vital to public health, and therefore, it is critical that climate change is regarded as within the veterinary scope of practice. However, climate change is a multi-faceted issue which requires interdisciplinary collaboration and integrated stakeholder involvement in order to establish effective solutions and impactful policies. As a result, in this perspective, we discuss how policy is critical to support veterinarians in the climate change space and argue that more explicit support is needed for veterinarians to take an active role in climate change adaption, resilience, and mitigation. We address the discrepancies between the human health and veterinary professions with respect to providing policy support and capacity for practitioners to be stewards to promote planetary health and shed light on the lack of veterinary capacity in this area. We stress that veterinary professional societies are well equipped to bolster their policies, expand education for veterinary professionals and students in policy and advocacy, and establish calls to action to address climate change and planetary health issues. Ultimately, as public health professionals, veterinarians are uniquely poised to be contributors to climate change solutions and they should be actively involved in policy decision-making and empowered to take active roles in interdisciplinary conversations surrounding this important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Kiran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - William E. Sander
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Colleen Duncan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Colleen Duncan
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12
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Aylward B, Cunsolo A, Vriezen R, Harper SL. Climate change is impacting mental health in North America: A systematic scoping review of the hazards, exposures, vulnerabilities, risks and responses. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:34-50. [PMID: 35584021 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2029368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
As climate change progresses, it is crucial that researchers and policymakers understand the ways in which climate-mental health risks arise through interactions between climate hazards, human exposure and social vulnerabilities across time and location. This scoping review systematically examined the nature, range and extent of published research in North America that investigates climate-mental health interactions. Five electronic databases were searched and two independent reviewers applied pre-determined criteria to assess the eligibility of articles identified in the search. Eighty-nine articles were determined to be relevant and underwent data extraction and analysis. The published literature reported on numerous exposure pathways through which acute and chronic climate hazards interacted with social vulnerabilities to increase mental health risks, including wellbeing, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use. This review also highlights important gaps within the North American climate-mental health evidence base, including minimal research conducted in Mexico, as well as a lack of studies investigating climate-mental health adaptation strategies and projected future mental health risks. Further research should support effective preparation for and adaptation to the current and future mental health impacts of climate change. Such strategies could reduce health risks and the long-term mental health impacts that individuals and communities experience in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne Aylward
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- School of Arctic & Subarctic Studies, Labrador Campus of Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Canada
| | - Rachael Vriezen
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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13
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Hauser N, Conlon KC, Desai A, Kobziar LN. Climate Change and Infections on the Move in North America. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 14:5711-5723. [PMID: 35002262 PMCID: PMC8722568 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s305077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is increasingly recognized for its impacts on human health, including how biotic and abiotic factors are driving shifts in infectious disease. Changes in ecological conditions and processes due to temperature and precipitation fluctuations and intensified disturbance regimes are affecting infectious pathogen transmission, habitat, hosts, and the characteristics of pathogens themselves. Understanding the relationships between climate change and infectious diseases can help clinicians broaden the scope of differential diagnoses when interviewing, diagnosing, and treating patients presenting with infections lacking obvious agents or transmission pathways. Here, we highlight key examples of how the mechanisms of climate change affect infectious diseases associated with water, fire, land, insects, and human transmission pathways in the hope of expanding the analytical framework for infectious disease diagnoses. Increased awareness of these relationships can help prepare both clinical physicians and epidemiologists for continued impacts of climate change on infectious disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Hauser
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Climate Adaptation Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kathryn C Conlon
- Climate Adaptation Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Department of Veterinary Medicine & Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Angel Desai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Leda N Kobziar
- Department of Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, Coeur d'Alene, ID, USA
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14
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Harper SL, Cunsolo A, Babujee A, Coggins S, De Jongh E, Rusnak T, Wright CJ, Domínguez Aguilar M. Trends and gaps in climate change and health research in North America. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111205. [PMID: 33961824 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 5th Assessment Report (2014) assessed the state of climate change and health knowledge, globally through the Human Health: Impacts, Adaptation, and Co-Benefits Chapter and regionally through chapters, such as the North America Chapter. With IPCC's 6th Assessment Report scheduled to be released in 2021-22, we asked: how has climate change and health research in North America advanced since the IPCC's 5th Assessment Report in 2014? Specifically, we systematically identified and examined trends in the extent, range, and nature of climate-health research conducted in North America. We used a scoping review methodology to systematically identify literature and map publication trends. A search string was used to search five academic databases. Two independent reviewers first screened titles and abstracts, and then the full texts of articles for relevance. Research articles and reviews using systematic methods published since 2013 were eligible for inclusion, and no language restrictions were applied. To be included, articles had to measure and link climatic variables or hazards to health outcomes in North America. Relevant articles were analysed using descriptive statistics to explore publication trends. The number of climate-health articles has significantly increased since the last IPCC Assessment Report. Published research about climate change impacts, heat-related mortality and morbidity, and respiratory illness taking place in urban centres and in the USA continue to dominate the North American climate-health literature, reflected by the high proportion of articles published. Important research gaps on previously neglected climate-sensitive health outcomes, however, are beginning to be filled, including climate change impacts on mental health, nutrition, and foodborne disease. We also observed progress in research that included future projections of climate-health risks; however, projection research is still relatively nascent and under-studied for many climate-sensitive health outcomes in North America, and would benefit from considering social and demographic variables in models. Important research disparities in geographical coverage were noted, including research gaps in Canada and Mexico, and in rural and remote regions. Overall, these publication trends suggest an improved understanding of exposure-response relationships and future projections of climate-health risks for many climate-sensitive health outcomes in North America, which is promising and provides an evidence-base to inform the IPCC 6th Assessment Report. Despite these advancements and considering the urgent policy and practice implications, more research is needed to deepen our understanding of climate-sensitive health outcomes, as well as examine new arising issues that have limited evidence-bases. In particular, transdisciplinary and cross-sector research, that includes the social sciences, examining current and future climate-health adaptation, mitigation, and the adaptation-mitigation nexus should become a top priority for research, given the urgent need for this evidence to inform climate change policies, actions, and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - A Cunsolo
- School of Arctic & Subarctic Studies, Labrador Institute of Memorial University, 219 Hamilton River Road, PO Box 490, Stn B, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, A0P 1E0, Canada
| | - A Babujee
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - S Coggins
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - E De Jongh
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - T Rusnak
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - C J Wright
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - M Domínguez Aguilar
- Unidad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Calle 61 X 66 # 525. Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
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15
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Borg FH, Greibe Andersen J, Karekezi C, Yonga G, Furu P, Kallestrup P, Kraef C. Climate change and health in urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries - a scoping review of health impacts and adaptation strategies. Glob Health Action 2021; 14:1908064. [PMID: 33847256 PMCID: PMC8049459 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.1908064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Climate change affects human health with those with the least resources being most vulnerable. However, little is known about the impact of climate change on human health and effective adaptation methods in informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries. Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to identify, characterize, and summarize research evidence on the impact of climate change on human health in informal settlements and the available adaptation methods and interventions. Method: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The four bibliographic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched. Eligibility criteria were all types of peer-reviewed publications reporting on climate change or related extreme weather events (as defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), informal settlements (as defined by UN-Habitat), low- and middle-income countries (as defined by the World Bank) and immediate human health impacts. Review selection and characterization were performed by two independent reviewers using a predefined form. Results: Out of 1197 studies initially identified, 15 articles were retained. We found nine original research articles, and six reviews, commentaries, and editorials. The articles were reporting on the exposures flooding, temperature changes and perceptions of climate change with health outcomes broadly categorized as mental health, communicable diseases, and non-communicable diseases. Six studies had a geographical focus on Asia, four on Africa, and one on South America, the remaining four articles had no geographical focus. One article investigated an adaptation method for heat exposure. Serval other adaptation methods were proposed, though they were not investigated by the articles in this review. Conclusion: There is a paucity of original research and solid study designs. Further studies are needed to improve the understanding of the impact, the most effective adaptation methods and to inform policy making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanne Greibe Andersen
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Non-communicable Diseases Alliance, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Catherine Karekezi
- Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre, Nairobi, Kenya.,Non-communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gerald Yonga
- Non-communicable Diseases Alliance Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya.,Medical Faculty, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter Furu
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Kallestrup
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Non-communicable Diseases Alliance, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Kraef
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Non-communicable Diseases Alliance, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Helldén D, Andersson C, Nilsson M, Ebi KL, Friberg P, Alfvén T. Climate change and child health: a scoping review and an expanded conceptual framework. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e164-e175. [PMID: 33713617 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(20)30274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Climate change can have detrimental effects on child health and wellbeing. Despite the imperative for a fuller understanding of how climate change affects child health and wellbeing, a systematic approach and focus solely on children (aged <18 years) has been lacking. In this Scoping Review, we did a literature search on the impacts of climate change on child health from January, 2000, to June, 2019. The included studies explicitly linked an alteration of an exposure to a risk factor for child health to climate change or climate variability. In total, 2970 original articles, reviews, and other documents were identified, of which 371 were analysed. Employing an expanded framework, our analysis showed that the effects of climate change on child health act through direct and indirect pathways, with implications for determinants of child health as well as morbidity and mortality from a range of diseases. This understanding can be further enhanced by using a broader range of research methods, studying overlooked populations and geographical regions, investigating the costs and benefits of mitigation and adaptation for child health, and considering the position of climate change and child health within the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Present and future generations of children bear and will continue to bear an unacceptably high disease burden from climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Helldén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Camilla Andersson
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Nilsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kristie L Ebi
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Friberg
- Swedish Institute for Global Health Transformation, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Harper SL, Cunsolo A, Babujee A, Coggins S, Aguilar MD, Wright CJ. Climate change and health in North America: literature review protocol. Syst Rev 2021; 10:3. [PMID: 33390178 PMCID: PMC7780400 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01543-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is a defining issue and grand challenge for the health sector in North America. Synthesizing evidence on climate change impacts, climate-health adaptation, and climate-health mitigation is crucial for health practitioners and decision-makers to effectively understand, prepare for, and respond to climate change impacts on human health. This protocol paper outlines our process to systematically conduct a literature review to investigate the climate-health evidence base in North America. METHODS A search string will be used to search CINAHL®, Web of Science™, Scopus®, Embase® via Ovid, and MEDLINE® via Ovid aggregator databases. Articles will be screened using inclusion/exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. First, the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be applied to article titles and abstracts, and then to the full articles. Included articles will be analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. DISCUSSION This protocol describes review methods that will be used to systematically and transparently create a database of articles published in academic journals that examine climate-health in North America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherilee L Harper
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, ECHA, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada.
| | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- School of Arctic & Subarctic Studies, Labrador Institute of Memorial University, 219 Hamilton River Road, Stn B, PO Box 490, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, A0P 1E0, Canada
| | - Amreen Babujee
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, ECHA, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Shaugn Coggins
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, ECHA, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Mauricio Domínguez Aguilar
- Unidad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Calle 61 x 66 # 525. Col. Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, México
| | - Carlee J Wright
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, ECHA, 11405 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1C9, Canada
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18
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Barbosa HP, Roué-Le Gall A, Deloly C, Regnaux JP, Thomas MF. Mapping the links between climate change and human health in urban areas: how is research conducted? A Scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034667. [PMID: 32988936 PMCID: PMC7523206 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Scientists from a wide variety of fields of knowledge are increasingly interested in climate change issues. The importance given to the phenomenon is explained by the uncertainties surrounding it and its consequences not yet fully known. However, there is wide agreement that human activities are modifying the Earth's climate beyond the natural cyclical changes and that these changes impact human health. This scoping review aimed to understand how research on the links between climate change and human health in urban areas is conducted and how this research is approached holistically or not. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This scoping review is mainly guided by the Arskey and O'Malley scoping review framework. A broad range of databases will be used, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science Core Collection, GreenFILE and Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used, with a focus on climate change and human health outcome studies published between January 1990 and July 2019. An interdisciplinary team has formulated search strategies and the reviewers will independently screen eligible studies for final study selection. We will apply a thematic analysis to evaluate and categorise the study findings. We expect to map the research according to the scientific research methods, the scientific fields and the determinants of health studied. Along these lines, we will be able to understand how holistic the research is. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION No primary data will be collected since all data presented in this review are based on published articles and publicly available documents. Therefore, ethics committee approval is not a requirement. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presentations at conferences relevant to the field of this research, as well as presentations to relevant stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiago Pereira Barbosa
- Université de Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Anne Roué-Le Gall
- Université de Rennes, EHESP, CNRS, ARENES, UMR 6051, F-35000 Rennes, France
- Department of Environmental and occupational Health, EHESP, Rennes, France
| | - Clément Deloly
- Department of Environmental and occupational Health, EHESP, Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Regnaux
- INSERM 1153, CRESS, EpiAgeing Team, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Social Sciences and Health, EHESP, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Florence Thomas
- Université de Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Research Institute for Environmental and Occupational Health), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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19
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Fox M, Zuidema C, Bauman B, Burke T, Sheehan M. Integrating Public Health into Climate Change Policy and Planning: State of Practice Update. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183232. [PMID: 31487789 PMCID: PMC6765852 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Policy action in the coming decade will be crucial to achieving globally agreed upon goals to decarbonize the economy and build resilience to a warmer, more extreme climate. Public health has an essential role in climate planning and action: “Co-benefits” to health help underpin greenhouse gas reduction strategies, while safeguarding health—particularly of the most vulnerable—is a frontline local adaptation goal. Using the structure of the core functions and essential services (CFES), we reviewed the literature documenting the evolution of public health’s role in climate change action since the 2009 launch of the US CDC Climate and Health Program. We found that the public health response to climate change has been promising in the area of assessment (monitoring climate hazards, diagnosing health status, assessing vulnerability); mixed in the area of policy development (mobilizing partnerships, mitigation and adaptation activities); and relatively weak in assurance (communication, workforce development and evaluation). We suggest that the CFES model remains important, but is not aligned with three concepts—governance, implementation and adjustment—that have taken on increasing importance. Adding these concepts to the model can help ensure that public health fulfills its potential as a proactive partner fully integrated into climate policy planning and action in the coming decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Fox
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Christopher Zuidema
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Bridget Bauman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Thomas Burke
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Mary Sheehan
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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20
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Barteit S, Sié A, Yé M, Depoux A, Louis VR, Sauerborn R. Lessons learned on teaching a global audience with massive open online courses (MOOCs) on health impacts of climate change: a commentary. Global Health 2019; 15:52. [PMID: 31438984 PMCID: PMC6704632 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-019-0494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adverse health impacts of climate change are increasing on a global level. However, knowledge about climate change and health is still unavailable to many global citizens, in particular on adaptation measures and co-benefits of health mitigation. Educational technologies, such as massive open online courses (MOOCs), may have a high potential for providing access to information about climate change links to health for a global audience. MAIN BODY We developed three MOOCs addressing the link between climate change and health to take advantage of the methodology's broad reach and accelerate knowledge dissemination on the nexus of climate change and health. The primary objective was to translate an existing face-to-face short course that only reached a few participants on climate change and health into globally accessible learning opportunities. In the following, we share and comment on our lessons learned with the three MOOCs, with a focus on global teaching in the realm of climate change and health. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the three MOOCs attracted a global audience with diverse educational backgrounds, and a large number of participants from low-income countries. Our experience highlights that MOOCs may play a part in global capacity building, potentially for other health-related topics as well, as we have found that our MOOCs have attracted participants within low-resource contexts. MOOCs may be an effective method for teaching and training global students on health topics, in this case on the complex links and dynamics between climate change and health and may further act as an enabler for equitable access to quality education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Barteit
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ali Sié
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | - Maurice Yé
- Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna, Nouna, Burkina Faso
| | - Anneliese Depoux
- Centre Virchow-Villermé for Public Health Paris-Berlin, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Groupe de Recherches Interdisciplinaires sur les Processus d'Information et de Communication (GRIPIC), Université Paris Sorbonne, Paris, France
| | - Valérie R Louis
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University Hospital Heidelberg, University Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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21
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Chersich MF, Wright CY. Climate change adaptation in South Africa: a case study on the role of the health sector. Global Health 2019; 15:22. [PMID: 30890178 PMCID: PMC6423888 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-019-0466-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the response to climate change is gradually gaining momentum as the impacts of climate change unfold. In South Africa, it is increasingly apparent that delays in responding to climate change over the past decades have jeopardized human life and livelihoods. While slow progress with mitigation, especially in the energy sector, has garnered much attention, focus is now shifting to developing plans and systems to adapt to the impacts of climate change. METHODS We applied systematic review methods to assess progress with climate change adaptation in the health sector in South Africa. This case study provides useful lessons which could be applied in other countries in the African region, or globally. We reviewed the literature indexed in PubMed and Web of Science, together with relevant grey literature. We included articles describing adaptation interventions to reduce the impact of climate change on health in South Africa. All study designs were eligible. Data from included articles and grey literature were summed thematically. RESULTS Of the 820 publications screened, 21 were included, together with an additional xx papers. Very few studies presented findings of an intervention or used high-quality research designs. Several policy frameworks for climate change have been developed at national and local government levels. These, however, pay little attention to health concerns and the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Systems for forecasting extreme weather, and tracking malaria and other infections appear well established. Yet, there is little evidence about the country's preparedness for extreme weather events, or the ability of the already strained health system to respond to these events. Seemingly, few adaptation measures have taken place in occupational and other settings. To date, little attention has been given to climate change in training curricula for health workers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the volume and quality of research is disappointing, and disproportionate to the threat posed by climate change in South Africa. This is surprising given that the requisite expertise for policy advocacy, identifying effective interventions and implementing systems-based approaches rests within the health sector. More effective use of data, a traditional strength of health professionals, could support adaptation and promote accountability of the state. With increased health-sector leadership, climate change could be reframed as predominately a health issue, one necessitating an urgent, adequately-resourced response. Such a shift in South Africa, but also beyond the country, may play a key role in accelerating climate change adaptation and mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Chersich
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Caradee Y Wright
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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The US Government Just Published a New Report Detailing the Impacts of Climate Change on Americans: Does it Matter? Epidemiology 2019; 30:163-165. [PMID: 30721162 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ridde V, Benmarhnia T, Bonnet E, Bottger C, Cloos P, Dagenais C, De Allegri M, Nebot A, Queuille L, Sarker M. Climate change, migration and health systems resilience: Need for interdisciplinary research. F1000Res 2019; 8:22. [PMID: 32983410 PMCID: PMC7506192 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17559.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change is one of today's major challenges, and among the causes of population movement and international migration. Climate migrants impact health systems and how their ability to respond and adapt to their needs and patterns. To date, the resilience of health systems in the context of climate change has barely been explored. The purpose of this article is to show the importance of studying the relationship between climate change, migration, and the resilience of health systems from an interdisciplinary perspective. Resilience is an old concept, notably in the field of psychology, and is increasingly applied to the study of health systems. Yet, no research has analysed the resilience of health systems in the context of climate change. While universal health coverage is a major international goal, little research to date focused on the existing links between climate, migration, health systems and resilience. We propose an interdisciplinary approach relying on the concept of health system resilience to study adaptive and transformative strategies to articulate climate change, migration and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéry Ridde
- IRD (French Institute For Research on Sustainable Development), CEPED (IRD-Université Paris Descartes), Universités Paris Sorbonne Cités, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
- University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), 7101 Avenue du Parc, Room 3060, Montreal, QC, Canada
- l’Institut Français des Migrations, Paris, France
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health & Scripps, Institution of Oceanography, University of California, California, USA
| | - Emmanuel Bonnet
- IRD (French Institute For Research on Sustainable Development), UMI Résiliences 236, Bondy, France
| | - Carol Bottger
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal (ESPUM), 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Cloos
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Manuela De Allegri
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariadna Nebot
- Independent Consultant, Pharmacist and Public Health Specialist, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Queuille
- Pan American Health Organization, Haiti Office, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Malabika Sarker
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Ridde V, Benmarhnia T, Bonnet E, Bottger C, Cloos P, Dagenais C, De Allegri M, Nebot A, Queuille L, Sarker M. Climate change, migration and health systems resilience: Need for interdisciplinary research. F1000Res 2019; 8:22. [PMID: 32983410 PMCID: PMC7506192 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17559.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is one of today's major challenges, among the causes of population movements and international migration. Climate migrants impact health systems and how they respond and adapt to their needs and patterns. But to date, the resilience of health systems in the context of climate change has been little explored. The purpose of this article is to show the importance of studying, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the relationships between climate change, migration, and the resilience of health systems. Resilience is an old concept, notably in the field of psychology, and is increasingly applied to the study of health systems. Yet, no research has analysed the resilience of health systems in the context of climate change. While universal health coverage is a major international goal, little research has to date focused on the existing links between climate, migration, health systems and resilience. We propose an interdisciplinary approach relying on the concept of health system resilience to study adaptive and transformative strategies to articulate climate change, migration and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valéry Ridde
- IRD (French Institute For Research on Sustainable Development), CEPED (IRD-Université Paris Descartes), Universités Paris Sorbonne Cités, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
- University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), 7101 Avenue du Parc, Room 3060, Montreal, QC, Canada
- l’Institut Français des Migrations, Paris, France
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health & Scripps, Institution of Oceanography, University of California, California, USA
| | - Emmanuel Bonnet
- IRD (French Institute For Research on Sustainable Development), UMI Résiliences 236, Bondy, France
| | - Carol Bottger
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal (ESPUM), 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Cloos
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Manuela De Allegri
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariadna Nebot
- Independent Consultant, Pharmacist and Public Health Specialist, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Queuille
- Pan American Health Organization, Haiti Office, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Malabika Sarker
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Waits A, Emelyanova A, Oksanen A, Abass K, Rautio A. Human infectious diseases and the changing climate in the Arctic. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:703-713. [PMID: 30317100 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Climatic factors, especially temperature, precipitation, and humidity play an important role in disease transmission. As the Arctic changes at an unprecedented rate due to climate change, understanding how climatic factors and climate change affect infectious disease rates is important for minimizing human and economic costs. The purpose of this systematic review was to compile recent studies in the field and compare the results to a previously published review. English language searches were conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PLOS One. Russian language searches were conducted in the Scientific Electronic Library "eLibrary.ru". This systematic review yielded 22 articles (51%) published in English and 21 articles (49%) published in Russian since 2012. Articles about zoonotic and vector-borne diseases accounted for 67% (n = 29) of the review. Tick-borne diseases, tularemia, anthrax, and vibriosis were the most researched diseases likely to be impacted by climatic factors in the Arctic. Increased temperature and precipitation are predicted to have the greatest impact on infectious diseases in the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Waits
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Safety Authority Evira (FINPAR), 90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Khaled Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland.
| | - Arja Rautio
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Finland; Thule Institute, University of Arctic, University of Oulu, Finland
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26
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Ekstrom JA, Bedsworth L. Adapting air quality management for a changing climate: Survey of local districts in California. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2018; 68:931-944. [PMID: 29667521 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2018.1459325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Air quality can be affected by weather and thus is sensitive to a changing climate. Wildfire (influenced by weather), consecutive high temperature summer days, and other extreme events are projected to become more severe and frequent with climate change. These may create challenging conditions for managing air quality despite policy targets to reduce precursor and pollutant emissions. Although extreme events are becoming more intense and interest in climate adaptation is increasing among public health practitioners, little attention in scholarly literature and policy covers climate adaptation for air quality governance. Understanding the management and managers' perspectives at the local level provides insight about the needs for climate adaptation, including their adaptation status, perspectives, responsibilities, and roles. This study explores local manager perspectives and experiences of managing air quality within a changing climate as one puzzle piece to understand the gap in climate adaptation within the air quality sector. A broader goal is to contribute to the discussion of developing a multi-jurisdictional vision for reducing the impacts of air quality in a changing climate. In 2016 local air quality district managers in California were invited to participate in an online survey of 39 questions focused on extreme event impacts on air quality. The questionnaire focused on present air quality threats and extreme event challenges, adaptation status and strategies, adaptive capacities, perceived barriers to adaptation, and jurisdictional responsibilities and roles. Over 85 percent of the 35 local air districts in California participated in the survey, which represents 80 percent of the state's population. High awareness and knowledge of climate change among local managers indicates they are ready to adopt and take action on policies that would support climate adaptation, but barriers reported suggests they may need policies and adequate funding to take action and make necessary changes. IMPLICATIONS Downscaled global climate models project an increasing severity and frequency of extreme events. In the southwestern United States, these include wildfire, heat events, and dry periods, among others, all of which can place an extra burden on air quality managers and emitters to achieve air quality standards even as they reduce emissions. Despite climate change presenting increasing challenges to meet air quality standards, in the southwestern United States, policy and action to mitigate these impacts have been surprisingly absent. California presents a valuable case study on the topic because of its historic leadership in air quality management for the United States and also because of its initiatives in combating climate change. Yet still we found that adaptation has not been incorporated into air quality management thus far, but local managers seem sufficiently knowledgeable and willing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Ekstrom
- a Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy , University of California , Davis , CA
| | - Louise Bedsworth
- a Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy , University of California , Davis , CA
- b Governor's Office of Planning and Research , State of California , Sacramento , CA
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27
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Banwell N, Rutherford S, Mackey B, Chu C. Towards Improved Linkage of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Health: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E793. [PMID: 29670057 PMCID: PMC5923835 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15040793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Climate change and climate-sensitive disasters significantly impact health. Linking Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) is essential for addressing these ever present, complex and increasing risks. Recent calls have been made to build these links in health. However, there is a need to clearly articulate why linking DRR and CCA is important in health. Furthermore, little is known about how DRR and CCA should be linked in health. By extensively examining relevant literature, this review presents the current state of knowledge of linking DRR and CCA in health. This includes the potential for maximising conceptual synergies such as building resilience, and reducing vulnerability and risk. Additionally, technical and operational synergies are identified to link DRR and CCA in health, including: policy, Early Warning Systems, vulnerability and risk assessment, health systems strengthening, infrastructure resilience, disaster preparedness and response, and health impact pathways. Public health actors have a central role in building these links due to their expertise, work functions, and experience in addressing complex health risks. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, including how to better link DRR and CCA in health; and the opportunities, challenges and enablers to build and sustain these links.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Banwell
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia.
| | - Shannon Rutherford
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia.
| | - Brendan Mackey
- Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith University, Gold Coast City 4222, Australia.
| | - Cordia Chu
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia.
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia.
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28
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Mills D, Jones R, Wobus C, Ekstrom J, Jantarasami L, St Juliana A, Crimmins A. Projecting Age-Stratified Risk of Exposure to Inland Flooding and Wildfire Smoke in the United States under Two Climate Scenarios. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2018; 126:047007. [PMID: 29669405 PMCID: PMC6071806 DOI: 10.1289/ehp2594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The public health community readily recognizes flooding and wildfires as climate-related health hazards, but few studies quantify changes in risk of exposure, particularly for vulnerable children and older adults. OBJECTIVES This study quantifies future populations potentially exposed to inland flooding and wildfire smoke under two climate scenarios, highlighting the populations in particularly vulnerable age groups (≤4 y old and ≥65 y old). METHODS Spatially explicit projections of inland flooding and wildfire under two representative concentration pathways (RCP8.5 and RCP4.5) are integrated with static (2010) and dynamic (2050 and 2090) age-stratified projections of future contiguous U.S. populations at the county level. RESULTS In both 2050 and 2090, an additional one-third of the population will live in areas affected by larger and more frequent inland flooding under RCP8.5 than under RCP4.5. Approximately 15 million children and 25 million older adults could avoid this increased risk of flood exposure each year by 2090 under a moderate mitigation scenario (RCP4.5 compared with RCP8.5). We also find reduced exposure to wildfire smoke under the moderate mitigation scenario. Nearly 1 million young children and 1.7 million older adults would avoid exposure to wildfire smoke each year under RCP4.5 than under RCP8.5 by the end of the century. CONCLUSIONS By integrating climate-driven hazard and population projections, newly created county-level exposure maps identify locations of potential significant future public health risk. These potential exposure results can help inform actions to prevent and prepare for associated future adverse health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable children and older adults. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2594.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julia Ekstrom
- Policy Institute for Energy, Environment and the Economy, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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29
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Cloos P, Ridde V. Research on climate change, health inequities, and migration in the Caribbean. Lancet Planet Health 2018; 2:e4-e5. [PMID: 29615207 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(17)30176-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cloos
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T1N8, Canada.
| | - Valéry Ridde
- French Institute For Research on sustainable Development, CEPED (IRD-Université Paris Descartes), Universités Paris Sorbonne Cités, ERL INSERM SAGESUD, Paris, France
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30
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Sheffield PE, Uijttewaal SAM, Stewart J, Galvez MP. Climate Change and Schools: Environmental Hazards and Resiliency. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1397. [PMID: 29144432 PMCID: PMC5708036 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14111397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The changing climate is creating additional challenges in maintaining a healthy school environment in the United States (U.S.) where over 50 million people, mostly children, spend approximately a third of their waking hours. Chronic low prioritization of funds and resources to support environmental health in schools and lack of clear regulatory oversight in the U.S. undergird the new risks from climate change. We illustrate the extent of risk and the variation in vulnerability by geographic region, in the context of sparse systematically collected and comparable data particularly about school infrastructure. Additionally, we frame different resilience building initiatives, focusing on interventions that target root causes, or social determinants of health. Disaster response and recovery are also framed as resilience building efforts. Examples from U.S. Federal Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and nationally are used to illustrate these concepts. We conclude that better surveillance, more research, and increased federal and state oversight of environmental factors in schools (specific to climate risks) is necessary, as exposures result in short- and long term negative health effects and climate change risks will increase over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perry E Sheffield
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Simone A M Uijttewaal
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
- Health & Society, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - James Stewart
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Maida P Galvez
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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31
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Leyva EWA, Beaman A, Davidson PM. Health Impact of Climate Change in Older People: An Integrative Review and Implications for Nursing. J Nurs Scholarsh 2017; 49:670-678. [DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Erwin William A. Leyva
- Psi Beta , PhD Student, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD; USA and Assistant Professor, University of Philippines Manila; Philippines
| | - Adam Beaman
- Director for Planning & Strategic Initiatives, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD; USA and PhD Candidate, University of Technology Sydney; Australia
| | - Patricia M. Davidson
- Professor & Dean, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD; USA and Professor, University of Technology Sydney; Australia
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32
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Sheehan MC, Fox MA, Kaye C, Resnick B. Integrating Health into Local Climate Response: Lessons from the U.S. CDC Climate-Ready States and Cities Initiative. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:094501. [PMID: 28934724 PMCID: PMC5915203 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Public health has potential to serve as a frame to convey the urgency of behavior change needed to adapt to a changing climate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments form the backbone of climate-related public health preparedness. Yet local health agencies are often inadequately prepared and poorly integrated into climate change assessments and plans. We reviewed the climate health profiles of 16 states and two cities participating in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Climate-Ready States and Cities Initiative (CRSCI) that aims to build local capacity to assess and respond to the health impacts of climate change. Following recommendations from a recent expert panel strategic review, we present illustrations of emerging promising practice and future directions. We found that CRSCI has strengthened climate preparedness and response in local public health agencies by identifying critical climate-health impacts and vulnerable populations, and has helped integrate health more fully into broader climate planning. Promising practice was found in all three recommendation areas identified by the expert panel (leveraging partnerships, refining assessment methodologies and enhancing communications), particularly with regard to health impacts of extreme heat. Vast needs remain, however, suggesting the need to disseminate CRSCI experience to non-grantees. In conclusion, the CRSCI program approach and selected activities illustrate a way forward toward robust, targeted local preparedness and response that may serve as a useful example for public health departments in the United States and internationally, particularly at a time of uncertain commitment to climate change agreements at the national level. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1838.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Sheehan
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary A Fox
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charlotte Kaye
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Beth Resnick
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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33
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Ebi KL, Hess JJ. The past and future in understanding the health risks of and responses to climate variability and change. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2017; 61:71-80. [PMID: 28733859 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-017-1406-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and health was established as a formal field of endeavor in the early 1990s, with the number of publications increasing since the mid-2000s. The key findings in assessment reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2014 indicate the progress in understanding the magnitude and pattern of the health risks of a changing climate. The assessments maintained a similar structure, focusing on assessing the state of knowledge of individual climate-sensitive health outcomes, with confidence in the key findings tending to increase over time with greater understanding. The knowledge base is smaller than for other key sectors (e.g., agriculture) because of limited research investment in climate change and health. Vulnerability, adaptation, and capacity assessments can inform prioritization of the significant research gaps in understanding and managing the health risks of a changing climate; filling these research gaps would provide policy- and decision-makers with insights to increase short- and longer-term resilience in health and other sectors. Research needs include to understand how climate and development pathways could interact to alter health risks over time, better understand upstream drivers of climate-sensitive health outcomes, project aggregate health impacts to understand the breadth and depth of challenges that may need to be managed at geographic scales of interest, and project the time of emergence of changes in the geographic range and intensity of transmission of infectious diseases and other climate conditions. Engagement with other sectors is needed to ensure that their mitigation and adaptation activities also promote and protect health and take the health sector's needs into account. Making progress in these areas is critical for protecting the health of future populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHanGE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Jeremy J Hess
- Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHanGE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
- Departments of Medicine, Global Health, and Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, Seattle, WA, USA
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Schütte S, Depoux A, Vigil S, Kowalski C, Gemenne F, Flahault A. The influence of health concerns in scientific and policy debates on climate change. J Epidemiol Community Health 2017; 71:747-749. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2015-206962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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35
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A gaping research gap regarding the climate change impact on health in poor countries. Eur J Epidemiol 2017; 32:855-856. [PMID: 28573342 PMCID: PMC5662676 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-017-0258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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36
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Depoux A, Hémono M, Puig-Malet S, Pédron R, Flahault A. Communicating climate change and health in the media. Public Health Rev 2017; 38:7. [PMID: 29450079 PMCID: PMC5809944 DOI: 10.1186/s40985-016-0044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The translation of science from research to real-world change is a central goal of public health. Communication has an essential role to play in provoking a response to climate change. It must first raise awareness, make people feel involved and ultimately motivate them to take action. The goal of this research is to understand how the information related to this issue is being addressed and disseminated to different audiences—public citizens, politicians and key climate change stakeholders. Initial results show that the scientific voice struggles to globally highlight this issue to a general audience and that messages that address the topic do not meet the challenges, going from a dramatic framing to a basic adaptation framing. Communication experts can help inform scientists and policy makers on how to best share information about climate change in an engaging and motivating way. This study gives an insight about the key role of the media and communications in addressing themes relating to climate change and transmitting information to the public in order to take action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneliese Depoux
- 1Centre Virchow-Villermé, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,2GRIPIC, EA 1498, Université Paris Sorbonne - CELSA, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Hémono
- 1Centre Virchow-Villermé, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Puig-Malet
- 1Centre Virchow-Villermé, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Antoine Flahault
- 1Centre Virchow-Villermé, Université Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,4Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Sauerborn R. Why should health be a central argument in climate negotiations? Can a MOOC help to bring the message across? Public Health Rev 2016; 37:18. [PMID: 29450060 PMCID: PMC5809885 DOI: 10.1186/s40985-016-0030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
There are four key messages from health for climate negotiations. Two positive ones include (i) health as a motivator for action and policy and (ii) huge health co-benefits to be included in the cost-benefit trade-offs of climate negotiations. Two warning messages: (iii) there are health-based absolute limits of adaptations and (iv) hotter average temperatures will cut work productivity of farmers and other outdoor workers as well as workers in non-air conditioned factories in poor countries. This paper will examine how massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been used in the run-up to this COP to disseminate these four messages to the audience of high-level policy-makers. This required a departure from the classic MOOC format in several ways: duration, focus on decision-making rationale, policy-relevant messages presented in big brush, leaving “traceable accounts” to evidence in two layers of resources provided: essential and “deep dive”.
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