In today’s swiftly changing global landscape, adaptability is crucial for a strong public health system. Being able to quickly adjust strategies, improve interventions, and allocate resources to address emerging health threats is essential.

Evidence-based interventions allow to foster this adaptability. A significant concern is the lack of understanding about the unintended consequences of climate control actions in certain European regions. As cities implement measures like open water defences and urban green space expansion to adapt to climate change, the potential impact on diseases carried by vectors remains unclear. To untangle this complexity, accurately measuring the effects of interventions through experiments and other methods is crucial.

« Climate change will increasingly create habitable climates for the transmission of infectious diseases. Mosquitoes, as vectors for arbovirus infections, are a threat to public health. Urban infrastructure interventions can be very effective for future-proofing cities in the face of climate change. »

One of the main objectives of the IDAlert project is to carry out these interventions in European cities. In collaboration with Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, the local public health agency in Barcelona, the IDAlert research team at Heidelberg University and Universitat Pompeu Fabra is introducing stormproof drains designed to reduce stagnant water bodies, eliminating mosquito breeding grounds.

Watch this video to discover how IDAlert is testing solutions to tackle the growing health threat linked to infectious diseases and climate change – with Aditi Bunker, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, and Tomas Montalvo, Head of Urban Pest Surveillance and Control Service, Agència de Salut Publica de Barcelona.

For more information about the IDAlert project go to their website.

On February 21st, the European Climate and Health Cluster hosted its first thematic workshop on Numerical Tools for Climate, Meteorological, and Impact Modeling and Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Brussels. Organised by the cluster’s Working Group 4 on Early warning systems & models and led by the CLIMOS project, it aimed to share methods and research within the Cluster for predictive models and EWS, provide information on potential synergies and opportunities for shared learning among the cluster research projects and identify key research areas related to methods. The workshop was structured into three sessions, starting with an introductory session allowing members of each project to familiarise themselves with the activities of the six cluster projects, followed by two more technical sessions delving into specific project details.

After each session, a series of questions and debates were held, with active participation from all cluster members, demonstrating a continued interest in collaboration. The discussions mainly focused on the pathways for future collaboration and/or exchange of knowledge so that the best approaches to modelling or the most detailed modelling solutions are used by all. It was proposed to continue this dialogue in Working Group 2 on Data analysis, management, protection & standardisation and in Working Group 4. In that respect the workshop additionally initiated brainstorming on collaborative (science) writing, which would be truly cluster-specific outputs.

One of the important topics discussed in the workshop was the definition and purpose of an Early Warning System for each project, where all agreed that the definition proposed by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) covered all necessary aspects:

“An integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting and prediction, disaster risk assessment, communication and preparedness activities systems and processes that enables individuals, communities, governments, businesses and others to take timely action to reduce disaster risks in advance of hazardous events.”

“For me, the biggest achievement of this workshop was the proactive collaboration of all the workshop attendees. By giving a detailed summary of each project. I think all members got a good understanding of what is being done on each project and where everyone is at. In addition, we discussed issues and areas for collaboration, not only in terms of data sharing but also in terms of improving and applying new modelling techniques to add value to the cluster’s activities. Everyone increased their awareness of the importance and potential of our cluster in future activities.” Sergio Natal (Predictia; CLIMOS).

“The first workshop triggered significant brainstorming on collaborative (science) writing projects, which are poised to serve as truly cluster-specific outputs.” Suzana Blesic (Institute for Medical Research; CLIMOS).

In conclusion, this first workshop marked a significant step forward in fostering collaboration among the cluster projects Through insightful discussions and active participation, attendees shared valuable methods and research, identified opportunities for synergies, and explored avenues for future cooperation, laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration within the cluster, promising advancements in climate and health research and preparedness efforts.

In September of last year, the 35th annual conference of the International Society for Environmental Epidemiology (ISEE 2023) convened in the vibrant city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This global gathering brought together researchers, scholars, and practitioners from around the world to delve into the latest advancements in environmental exposure science and epidemiology. Attending the ISEE 2023 conference provided us with a unique opportunity to foster communication and knowledge exchange and present two abstracts based on the Building Environmental Quality Model (BEQM). BEQM is used in the CATALYSE project to quantify the health co-benefits and potential harms of mitigation policies targeting buildings. BEQM characterises the thermal and ventilative conditions in residential buildings in Europe and models temperature and air pollution from indoor and outdoor sources.

Household Analysis of Health-Related Indoor Temperature Exposure: Comparison Between Thermal Comfort and Health Conditions in English Dwellings

The first analysis we presented took a closer look at the effects of various household characteristics on indoor thermal environments in England. This research highlights energy efficiency improvements and fuel payment eligibility may affect indoor temperature and occupant health. It is crucial to consider energy use practices and household characteristics in housing energy policies to reduce energy use and improve the health of older occupants.

Delving into the complexity of health-related indoor temperature exposure, the research compared thermal comfort between young and old adults. A link was found between high/low indoor temperature (above 24.6°C/under 18°C) and self-rated thermal discomfort. The findings not only unveiled energy performance determinants (e.g., building envelope, efficiency improvements, Energy Performance Certificate) and household characteristics (e.g., age, income, tenure) that affected indoor temperatures but also laid the foundation for practical applications in sustainable home design.

Indoor Environmental Quality of Hospitals in the UK and Taiwan: Implications for the Delivery of Low-Carbon Hospitals

The second presentation was based on the new collaboration between University College London in the UK and the National Defense Medical Centre in Taiwan. Aiming at comparing the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of hospitals in the UK and Taiwan, this research highlights the importance of recognising the potential impacts of mitigation strategies and addressing the risk factors of indoor pollution to minimise long-term exposure and promote well-being in the workplace.

By comparing the IEQ standards and practices of these two regions, the research provided a comprehensive understanding of how environmental factors influence healthcare delivery in low-carbon hospitals. Beyond geographical boundaries, the implications of this study contribute valuable insights for creating sustainable healthcare spaces. This work relates to key topic areas in the CATALYSE project related to climate change mitigation and health in buildings and decarbonising healthcare.

Many research gaps remain regarding indoor environments and sustainable practices in building design, energy efficiency, and their influence on human health and well-being. We gained many insights through presenting our research at the ISEE conference and the rich discussions on the role of indoor environments in climate change and health.

Shih-Che Hsu | Research Fellow in Building Stock and Indoor Air Quality Modelling at UCL Energy Institute, The Bartlett School Env, Energy & Resources, University College London, UK.

Greece is experiencing many effects of climate change. Temperatures have steadily increased and are projected to increase by the end of the century. Rainfall is generally on the decline, but extreme events, storms and floods are anticipated to increase in frequency and magnitude directly affecting vector-borne diseases.

“This video, produced by IDAlert, features interventions in Greece for mosquito surveillance and control. In the Region of Attica, we showcase three unique environments: Marathonas, Psatha and the Municipality of Athens. You will see examples of interventions being implemented on the ground, to manage current risks and futureproof against potential infectious disease threats. The Benaki Phytopathological Institute, an IDAlert partner, leads this initiative with key governmental and institutional entities.” Dr. Aditi Bunker, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health.

“We aspire to achieve a balance between the maximum effect of selected interventions and to minimise the risk to our populations and environment. Therefore, we carefully select our surveillance and control strategy and adapt it according to the aim, the expected outcomes and the targeted mosquito species, native or invasive,” Dr. Antonios Michaelakis, Benaki Phytopathological Institute in Greece.

Watch IDAlert’s latest video about mosquito control measures in Greece, which are more important than ever to protect populations against vector-borne diseases now and in the future.

For more information about the IDAlert project go to their website.

In an effort to better understand evolving governance around heat and health, HIGH Horizons has partnered with the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to call for submissions of Heat Health Action Plans, National Health Adaptation Plans and related governance documents containing heat health components from around the world.

The collected plans will inform policy analyses of global and thematic coverage and content of existing plans: where they are, who they protect, and how. This initiative will also help the Global Heat Health Information Network update its global inventory of heat health policy efforts. For full details about the call and information on how to submit an adaptation plan or other related governance documents, see the GHHIN page.

For more information see the GHHIN page. Link here

The project TRIGGER member Dr. Sruthi Krishnan, presented an informative lecture in the Department of Architecture and Planning, National Institute of Technology Calicut, India, about the complex connection between climate change and human health. Sruthi, a Post-doctoral Researcher in charge of a Work Package in the TRIGGER Project at University College Dublin in Ireland, shared her experience on this critical matter.

The lecture, titled ‘Exploring the Intersection of Climate Change and Human Health,’ was part of the Co-Teaching initiative for the course ‘Human Settlements and Climate Change.’ She enlightened the audience with up-to-date data highlighting the significant effects of climate change on human health.

During the session, Dr. Sruthi introduced the audience to the TRIGGER EU Project, where she serves as a Work Package Leader. She highlighted the innovative approach of the project, with a particular focus on the Climate Health Connection Labs (CHCL).

These labs serve as important centres for interdisciplinary collaboration, aiming to address the complex challenges climate change poses on human health. Furthermore, she emphasized the significance of various European Climate-Health Cluster projects, illustrating the collective effort to tackle the complex issues arising from climate change and its implications for public health.

Sruthi’s lecture served as a reminder of the urgency to address climate change not only as an environmental issue but also as a pressing public health concern. Through interdisciplinary research and collaborative initiatives like the TRIGGER Project, we can strive towards a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

For further insights into the Trigger project and its efforts to address climate-induced health problems, stay connected through the project’s social media channels (Linkedin & X), visit the website, and subscribe to the newsletter. Your support is vital in tackling climate-related health challenges.

Exciting news for the TRIGGER Project!

The project was recently presented at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) 2024 General Assembly.

Claudia Di Napoli, a Biometeorologist Scientist involved in the project, convened the Presenting Interactive Content (PICO) session on “Climate, Extremes, and Health: Mapping Risks and Quantifying Impacts on Population Health,” featuring over 30 presenters.

She also showcased a poster in the session “Reducing the Impacts of Natural Hazards through Forecast-based Action: New Insights from People-centered, Impact-based Warning Systems,” discussing the TRIGGER weather-driven early warning system for human health. The presentation drew significant interest, highlighting TRIGGER’s interdisciplinary and innovative approach to addressing climate health-induced issues.

The TRIGGER Project focuses on deepening the current understanding of the linkage between climate, health, and ecosystems (exposome framework) and using this knowledge to advance society’s uptake at the personal and policy levels.

For more information, visit the TRIGGER Project website, and follow their Social Media Channels! Link here

CLIMOS took centre stage during several sessions, one led by our project coordinator Carla Maia, and another by Gioia Bongiorno, showcasing our groundbreaking advancements. Additionally, we proudly presented a poster alongside our colleagues: Eduardo Berriatua, Courtenay Orin, Gaetano Oliva, Carla Maia, Valentina Foglia Manzillo, and Gioia Bongiorno.

ALIVE 2 transcended mere conference proceedings, fostering an environment ripe for the exchange of invaluable clinical insights and pioneering research. The event’s international allure was unmistakable, with 451 professionals hailing from over 32 European and non-European countries converging to share their expertise. Notably, the hybrid format accommodated 239 attendees in person, while an additional 212 participated remotely, underscoring the event’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

It also served as a beacon of inspiration and opportunity, offering a platform to network with seasoned professionals and chart a course toward impactful contributions in the field. As the curtains close on ALIVE 2, the reverberations of this transformative event are sure to echo across the veterinary landscape, catalyzing further collaboration and innovation in the ongoing battle against Leishmaniosis.

HIGH Horizons, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), has developed a conceptual framework for extreme heat and maternal, newborn and child health. Annie Portela, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at the WHO, spoke to us about developing the framework, what WHO and HIGH Horizons aim to achieve with it and who it is intended for.

CAN YOU TELL US WHY DEVELOPING THE EXTREME HEAT AND MATERNAL, NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK WAS IMPORTANT?

CAN YOU DEFINE WHAT THE EXTREME HEAT AND MATERNAL, NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK IS?

The conceptual framework aims to depict the direct (pathophysiological mechanisms) and indirect (individual, community and health services) pathways through which heat exposure can lead to adverse maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes. Underlying health conditions, geographical location, socioeconomic and socio-political factors can all additionally multiply the effect of extreme heat on MNCH.

The framework is really meant to provide a broad understanding of extreme heat and MNCH at a more precise level, including different types of impacts and some of the factors that contribute to heat impacting on maternal and child health.

WHO IS THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK INTENDED FOR AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE RESOURCES SUCH AS THIS?

The impacts of heat on health is an area that’s of growing interest, and more studies are coming out and having this framework really helps everybody that’s sitting down at the table to talk about it, to do something about it and have some common understanding of how heat impacts MNCH.

I think there’s two main stakeholders we intend the resource to be used by. Firstly, when we talk to maternal, newborn and child health programme managers, they understand that heat is important and has its effect on health, but they themselves aren’t always sure about the particularities, and this gives an easy way to summarise all the different pathways and factors that heat can have impact. This graphic and this understanding will help them to talk to their stakeholders, talk to women, talk to health workers, and to come to some decisions about what they can do in their programmes to help reduce these impacts and safeguard MNCH.

The second is for researchers and others working in this area. It helps us to better establish the evidence base. It gives us a broad understanding and overview of the different ways or mechanisms of action and how it impacts health. We can map to this what are areas that are already studied and what areas where we lack knowledge. So, I think it’s a really good tool to help those of us working in maternal and child health to speak to each other, share knowledge and decide on the way forward to strengthen our work both in research and programmes.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT HOW SOCIAL, POLITICAL OR ECONOMICAL FACTORS INTERSECT WITH THE FRAMEWORK AND WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT THEY WERE INCLUDED?

It is important to study these different issues in different contexts. Factors such as socioeconomic factors really matter, different conditions just multiply the effect of heat and make those living in certain conditions experience the impacts of heat even more.

For example, it’s very different if I live in a house with air conditioning versus if I live in a house with little ventilation, a tin roof and have no way to escape the heat.

It’s very different if I have a clean water supply and can just go to my refrigerators to drink all the water I want versus if I have to walk 10 kilometers to get water, and I have to use it very sparsely. Under that scenario am I going to drink a lot of water to hydrate? Probably not.

All these different conditions just multiply the effects of heat, living in certain conditions means that the impact of heat is going to be much stronger for specific groups.

HOW DO YOU THINK THIS CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK CAN EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATION THE KEY MESSAGING TO POLICYMAKERS, STAKEHOLDERS OR GENERAL PUBLIC?

I think it’s important to have an enhanced understanding of both the direct and indirect impacts of heat. I know sometimes we like to write and talk to policy makers with the big impacts such as mortality, but that’s not what we’re seeing, and that’s not what the studies are looking at.

I think the conceptual framework again helps in a discussion to policymaker to understand what are the hazards or the risks? What are we talking about in our research? What are some of the things that multiply that effect?

And then the different pathways, the direct and indirect, if I want to stop these impacts or reduce the risk I need to understand the direct and indirect. It really helps to have a more granular understanding of the pathways, and that will help policymakers to think better about what they need to put in place, and for which populations in particular to reduce the impact of heat.

Download the conceptual framework.

The recent WHO 7th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health, held in Budapest, brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address pressing environmental and health challenges. Countries who attended have adopted the Budapest Declaration, which prioritises urgent, wide-ranging action on health challenges linked to climate change, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss and land degradation.

BlueAdapt’s team from EuroHealthNet showcased BlueAdapt’s research goals during the conference. In this blog post they share the key takeaways from the conference, highlighting the urgent need to address coastal water pollution in combating climate change risks for public health.

Importance of Policy Engagement: 

One of the significant takeaways from the conference was the importance of policy engagement in tackling environmental and health challenges. BlueAdapt’s presence at the conference exemplified the critical role of research projects and their ability to inform policymakers about the specific risks coastal regions face due to climate change. Policy engagement is crucial in bridging the gap between scientific findings and practical action to protect public health.

Urgency in Addressing Coastal Water Pollution: 

As climate change intensifies, coastal regions are witnessing rising temperatures and water pollution, creating favourable conditions for the proliferation of pathogens. This, in turn, poses health risks to those who spend time in these waters. While promising solutions for reducing water pollution in the Budapest Declaration, there is scope for further addressing the role of coastal waters. BlueAdapt’s work highlights the urgency in addressing this issue and calls for greater attention from policymakers.

Short summary of conference commitments on water pollution: 

• Minimise untreated wastewater and biosolid release, promoting safe reuse
• Update regulations for climate-resilient water services
• Integrate nature and biodiversity in health policies using the One Health approach for human, animal, and ecosystem wellbeing

The call for an expanded One Health approach

The conference emphasised the importance of the One Health approach, which advocates for integrating human, animal, and environmental health policies to achieve comprehensive and sustainable solutions. BlueAdapt supports this approach and strives to expand its scope by considering the specific needs of coastal communities and promoting equity in policy initiatives. By recognizing the interdependence of ecosystems and human well being, the One Health approach can create more effective and resilient policies.

Informing future policy

The WHO 7th Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health was an important platform for addressing the challenges posed by climate change to public health. The conference highlighted the critical connection between climate change and public health. While progress was made on addressing water pollution and promoting the One Health approach, there remains a need to focus on the specific challenges faced by coastal communities.

Collaborative efforts, research, and policy initiatives, as exemplified by BlueAdapt, are essential to combat climate change’s adverse effects and protect the health of people living in and visiting Europe’s coastal areas. BlueAdapt looks forward to engaging with policymakers and experts to explore the specific impacts on coastal areas and identify necessary measures to reduce health risks effectively.