June 2024 climate and health round-up
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Here’s what caught my eye this month.
New review: Climate change and cardiovascular health
A new systematic review published in JAMA Cardiology (Journal of the American Medical Association) explored the association between climate change and cardiovascular health.
The review of almost 500 studies showed that environmental stressors like exposure to high temperatures or hurricanes was linked to increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Vulnerable populations, including older people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, and people in poorer areas were disproportionately affected.
New figures: Mosquito-related disease in Europe
As the climate changes, mosquitoes move to areas that were previously unsuitable for them. This is predicted to change the spread of mosquito-borne disease.
New figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) show this is already underway, with an increase in the number of locally acquired cases of dengue in European countries and an increase in the number of areas reporting West Nile virus.
In 2023, 130 locally acquired cases of dengue were reported in Europe, up from 71 cases in 2022. This compares to 73 cases in the ten-year period 2010-2021.
ECDC has gathered together useful publications and resources including distribution maps for different types of mosquitoes.
Event summary: Climate change and children’s health
The University of California Center for Climate, Health and Equity and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Academic Senate Committee on Sustainability recently hosted a webinar on Children’s unique vulnerability to climate change.
It included an overview of broad concepts and interesting details from paediatric practice in the San Francisco Bay Area.
News story: Local project saves money and carbon
A campaign run by Dorset's integrated care board focused on medicines sustainability through reducing overprescribing. People with repeat prescriptions were targeted with a campaign asking them to only order what they need, rather than everything on their repeat prescription.
Over the course of the two-month campaign, there was a 2% drop in overall prescription requests, with an estimated saving of £555,000 and 344,712kg CO2e.
New forum: Climate change and mental health research
The Connecting Climate Minds programme has launched a global online hub, which aims to support collaboration between the fields of mental health and climate change research. There's lots to explore, including research agendas, toolkits and case studies.
Global policy: World Health Organization prioritises climate change
At a meeting in late May, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved its new General Programme of Work for 2025 to 2028, which included as one of its six objectives responding to the threat to health posed by climate change.
Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at WHO, said, “This strategic focus will enable us to better protect vulnerable populations, enhance the resilience of health systems, and promote sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.”
Online event: Climate and health in Africa
The UK Faculty of Public Health (FPH) is hosting a webinar on climate and health in Africa. Speakers include: Vijendra Ingole, Office for National Statistics; Dr Francis Ohanyido, Director-General, West African Institute of Public Health; and Emma Davies, member of the FPH Africa Special Interest Group and the FPH Climate and Health Committee.
The event is taking place on 8 July 2024, 12-1pm (UK).
Online event: Publishing in The Lancet Planetary Health
One for the researchers among you! The editorial team of The Lancet Planetary Health is hosting a webinar about the journal's aims, what the editors are looking for in a paper, and best practice in preparing for submission.
The event is scheduled for 27 June 2024, at 4pm (UK).
Outdoor event: Green Health Wales
Working in health services in Wales? The Canal & River Trust and Green Health Wales are hosting a green and social prescribing event at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site on 2 July 2024, 10am-2pm.
It includes learning and discussion, a boat trip, and foraging. More events like this please...
Job opportunities: Climate and health at UKHSA
Two interesting job opportunities at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The first, for a Senior Climate and Health Economist, closes on 24 June 2024. The second, for a Senior Evidence Reviewer in Climate and Health, closes on 4 July 2024.
What else is catching my eye?
Here’s what I’m reading / where I went last week / what I’m listening to.