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Online event – Climate Change and Health: Perspectives from Developing Countries
March 22: 10:00 - 14:00
The perspectives from developing countries on climate change and health are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, many developing countries are often highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, e.g. due to their geographical exposition, limited resources to anticipate or recover, and lesser capacity to adapt. This inherent vulnerability makes the better understanding of their specific challenges and perspectives essential for the development of effective global climate strategies. Secondly, in many developing countries, public health systems are already under strain. Climate change can exacerbate existing health challenges such as infectious diseases, malnutrition, and water scarcity. Understanding these unique health impacts can guide more effective and targeted interventions. Moreover, limited economic resources in developing countries mean that they often struggle to respond to and recover from climate-induced health crises. Insights into these economic constraints can help in allocating international aid and support more effectively. Furthermore, the socio-cultural contexts of developing countries can significantly influence the effectiveness of health and climate change policies. Understanding these dimensions is key to designing interventions that are culturally aligned and gender sensitive, i.e. more likely to be successful.
There is a perceived need for a scientific event, where the perspectives of developing countries on matters related to climate change and health may be discussed. Against this background, the online expert seminar “Climate Change and Health: Perspectives from Developing Countries” is being organized, led by theInterdisciplinary Expert Centre for Climate Changeand Health (IECCCH), in collaboration with the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR), the UK Consortium on Sustainability Research (UK-CSR) and the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP).
The primary aim of the online event is to convey to participants the links between climate change and health. This includes insights on how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and other climate-related changes can impact physical and mental health. The event also intends to discuss and present experiences on identifying and managing health risks associated with climate change, strategies for effective communication and advocacy on these issues.
A further aim of the event is to encourage greater collaboration between higher education institutions, representatives from the health sector, companies, policymakers, and environmental organisations.
The event will be held online and will be structured around the following elements:
- Featured Keynotes and dedicated presentations
- Panel discussions
- Breakout sessions
The list of topics entails, but is not limited to the following themes:
1. Climate Change and Public Health
Heatwaves, extreme weather events, and their immediate health consequences. Changes in vector-borne diseases, water-borne diseases, and nutrition-related issues due to climate change.
2. Vulnerable Populations and Regions
Discuss how climate change disproportionately affects certain populations (e.g., children, the elderly, low-income communities).
Specific challenges faced by different regions (e.g., rising sea levels in small island nations, droughts in sub-Saharan Africa).
3. Mental Health and Climate Change
Understanding the psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety and trauma from climate-related disasters.
4. Healthcare System Resilience
Preparing healthcare systems for climate-related emergencies.
Reducing the carbon footprint of the healthcare sector.
5. Policy and Advocacy
National and international policy frameworks addressing climate change and health.
The role of healthcare workers in climate policy and education.
6. Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies
Local strategies to improve resilience and adapt to climate change.
Strategies to reduce emissions and the environmental impact of the healthcare sector.
7. Research and Innovation
Emerging Research in Climate and Health: Latest findings and areas for future research.
Tools and technologies for monitoring and mitigating climate impacts on health.
8. Education and Outreach
Educating the Public and Health Professions: Strategies for raising awareness and understanding of climate and health issues among the public and health professionals. Building community engagement and action on climate and health.
9. Global and Local Perspectives
Sharing Global Best Practices: What can be learned from different countries and regions? Local Action Plans: Developing actionable plans tailored to specific local needs and circumstances. Also, virtual reality experiences showcasing the effects of climate change on health and how to develop solutions will be welcome.
The event intends to ensure a diverse range of speakers representing different geographies, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. It will be of special interest to healthcare professionals, policymakers, environmental activists, researchers, or the general public in developing countries. This seminar will also be a convergence point for various stakeholders, from policymakers and industry leaders to activists and academics, to engage in meaningful discussions and forge partnerships that drive forward the climate change and health agenda. The event will be worldwide marketed to support the broadest possible dissemination of knowledge and best practices.
As output and long-term documentation of the event, selected high-quality papers will be published in the book “Climate Change and Health: Perspectives from Developing Countries”. The book will be produced as part of the Climate Change Management Series, published by Springer Nature which is fully indexed.
Send you “Expressions of Interest” to attend the event, initially consisting of an abstract (max 200 words) outlining your presentation and the related paper title. Please send, at this point of time, the full contact details of the main author only to the IECCH team via this dedicated online form: https://forms.office.com/e/fJnXGZyvkw
Abstracts: The deadline for expressions of interest including the submission of an abstract is 22 January 2024.
Full papers: Due by 31 March 2024. The details will be discussed with the selected authors.
This event is part of the Continuing Professional Development Programme on Sustainable Development, undertaken by the European School of Sustainability Science and Research (ESSSR) and the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP). An official certificate of participation, useful for professional development purposes and to be shown to employers, will be issued to all involved participants, with the equivalent of 20 hours, including attendance at the event and preparation time.
The event is free of charges, however, we expect the accepted contributions will indeed be presented.