Skip Navigation

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Estimating the costs of inaction and the economic benefits of addressing the health harms of climate change

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Limaye VS, Max W, Constible J, Knowlton K
2020
Health Affairs. 39 (12): 2098-2104

National and international assessments have drawn attention to the substantial economic risks of climate change. The costs of climate-sensitive health outcomes responsive to meteorological or seasonal patterns are among the least studied of those risks. In this article we describe how cost valuation analyses that relate climate-sensitive health outcomes to damages in economic terms can illuminate the costs of inaction on the climate crisis and the economic savings of addressing this problem. We identify major challenges to expanding the application of climate-health valuation research and suggest solutions to overcome these obstacles to better characterize the burden of climate-sensitive health outcomes and health disparities. The projected health and economic harms of climate-sensitive risks could be enormous if climate change continues to accelerate and communities are not prepared to reduce or prevent their impact. Expanded valuation of climate-sensitive health outcomes can inform policies that slow climate change and promote stronger investments in health-protective climate change adaptation efforts.

Expand Abstract

Resource Description

    General Exposure
    United States
    General Health Impact
    Review Article
    Adaptation, Economic Impact, Research Gap
    • Adaptation, Economic Impact, Research Gap: Adaptation Co-Benefit/Co-Harm
Back
to Top