Protecting health from climate change: Global research priorities
Publication details
Number of pages: 24
Publication date: 2009
Languages: English
ISBN: 978 92 4 159818 7
Overview
Weather and climate affect the key determinants of human health: air, food and water. They also influence the frequency of heatwaves, floods and storms as well as the transmission of infectious diseases. In addition, policies to mitigate climate change (for example in the energy, transport or urban planning sectors) have a direct and important influence on health, for example through effects on local air pollution, physical activity, or road traffic injuries.
In order to guide research in this field, WHO carried out a global consultation. Experts on climate change, health and related disciplines produced background reports covering each of the themes identified by the WHA Resolution, as well as an additional report on how to support research in this field.4–9 This was followed by an online consultation, and a three-day workshop attended by over 70 leading researchers, health practitioners, and representatives of funding bodies and other United Nations (UN) agencies. This report presents the conclusions and recommendations from this process, with the aim of improving the evidence base for policies to protect health from climate change.
