Evidence-informed policy for tackling adverse climate change effects on health: Linking regional and global assessments of science to catalyse action

Abstract

There is increasing evidence of both direct and indirect adverse effects of climate change on human health worldwide, the latter mediated by disruption in ecological and socioeconomic systems [1]. Many of these effects have been known for some time; yet, despite the accumulating evidence, protecting human health has only recently become a major consideration in global policy discussions on climate change [2]. his increased recognition of health issues, bringing new demands for evidence from decision makers and requiring robust scientific data, including on attribution, for knowledge synthesis, and its use to inform policy for health and healthcare for both climate change adaptation and mitigation. The scientific and health communities have important roles, including ensuring that robust evidence is generated, sharing lessons of good practice, and building capacity for action worldwide.