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Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Extreme weather and climate change: Population health and health system implications

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Ebi KL, Vanos J, Baldwin JW, Bell JE, Hondula DM, Errett NA, Hayes K, Reid CE, Saha S, Spector J, Berry P
2021
Annual Review of Public Health. 42: 293-315

Extreme weather and climate events, such as heat waves, cyclones, and floods, are an expression of climate variability. These events and events influenced by climate change, such as wildfires, continue to cause significant human morbidity and mortality and adversely affect mental health and well-being. Although adverse health impacts from extreme events declined over the past few decades, climate change and more people moving into harm's way could alter this trend. Long-term changes to Earth's energy balance are increasing the frequency and intensity of many extreme events and the probability of compound events, with trends projected to accelerate under certain greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. While most of these events cannot be completely avoided, many of the health risks could be prevented through building climate-resilient health systems with improved risk reduction, preparation, response, and recovery. Conducting vulnerability and adaptation assessments and developing health system adaptation plans can identify priority actions to effectively reduce risks, such as disaster risk management and more resilient infrastructure. The risks are urgent, so action is needed now.

Expand Abstract

Resource Description

    Extreme Weather-Related Event or Disaster, Temperature
    Global or Unspecified Location
    General Health Impact, Morbidity/Mortality
    Review Article
    Adaptation, Economic Impact, Health Sector Influence
    • Adaptation, Economic Impact, Health Sector Influence: Disaster Risk Reduction, Resilience
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