Advancing disability-inclusive climate research and action, climate justice, and climate-resilient development

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First published online 01 April 2024.

Why this study was done

Climate change and environmental damage are increasingly affecting human health worldwide. However, policies often treat environmental issues and health issues separately. This study aimed to highlight how health should be central to climate and environmental policy decisions.

What the study did

The article examines current global approaches to climate and environmental policy and reviews how health considerations are (or are not) included. It draws on existing evidence linking environmental change to health outcomes.

What the study found

The study found that:

  • Climate change is already causing significant harm to human health (e.g., heat exposure, disease, food insecurity)
  • Health impacts are often underrepresented in policy decisions
  • Integrating health into climate policy can create co-benefits, such as cleaner air, better living conditions, and reduced disease burden
  • Current systems are not responding quickly or comprehensively enough to protect health

What this means

This research shows that placing human health at the centre of environmental and climate policy could improve both population health and environmental outcomes. It highlights the need for stronger, coordinated global action to address climate change in a way that prioritises wellbeing.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Penelope Stien, Professor Michael Stein, Professor Nora Groce, Professor Maria Keet, Professor Emmanuel Akeyeampong, Professor William Alford, Professor Jayajit Chakraborty, Dr Sheelang Daniel-Mayes, Professor Siri Eriksen, Ms Anne Fracht, Ms. Luis Gallegos, Dr Shaun Grech, Ms Pramita Gurung, Professor Asha Hans, Professor Paul Harpur, Dr. Sebastian Jodoin, Ms. Janet Lord, Setareki Macanawai, Ms. Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Professor Benyam Mezmur, Dr Rhonda Moore, Dr. Yolanda Munoz, Professor Vikram Patel, Dr Phuong Pham, Professor Gerard Quinn Ms. Sarah Sadlier, Ms. Carmel Shachar, Mr Matthew Smith and Ms. Lisa Van Susteren.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 01 April 2024.

Why this study was done

Climate change and environmental damage are increasingly affecting human health worldwide. However, policies often treat environmental issues and health issues separately. This study aimed to highlight how health should be central to climate and environmental policy decisions.

What the study did

The article examines current global approaches to climate and environmental policy and reviews how health considerations are (or are not) included. It draws on existing evidence linking environmental change to health outcomes.

What the study found

The study found that:

  • Climate change is already causing significant harm to human health (e.g., heat exposure, disease, food insecurity)
  • Health impacts are often underrepresented in policy decisions
  • Integrating health into climate policy can create co-benefits, such as cleaner air, better living conditions, and reduced disease burden
  • Current systems are not responding quickly or comprehensively enough to protect health

What this means

This research shows that placing human health at the centre of environmental and climate policy could improve both population health and environmental outcomes. It highlights the need for stronger, coordinated global action to address climate change in a way that prioritises wellbeing.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Penelope Stien, Professor Michael Stein, Professor Nora Groce, Professor Maria Keet, Professor Emmanuel Akeyeampong, Professor William Alford, Professor Jayajit Chakraborty, Dr Sheelang Daniel-Mayes, Professor Siri Eriksen, Ms Anne Fracht, Ms. Luis Gallegos, Dr Shaun Grech, Ms Pramita Gurung, Professor Asha Hans, Professor Paul Harpur, Dr. Sebastian Jodoin, Ms. Janet Lord, Setareki Macanawai, Ms. Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Professor Benyam Mezmur, Dr Rhonda Moore, Dr. Yolanda Munoz, Professor Vikram Patel, Dr Phuong Pham, Professor Gerard Quinn Ms. Sarah Sadlier, Ms. Carmel Shachar, Mr Matthew Smith and Ms. Lisa Van Susteren.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.