Nearly half of the world’s population lives in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, which is driving a rise in health issues such as heat stress, respiratory disease, malnutrition, and vector borne diseases. Urgent action is needed to develop climate-resilient healthcare solutions and effective communication strategies to protect vulnerable communities from these escalating challenges.
McCann Global Health, in collaboration with experts from Vital Strategies, Filha Do Sol, and the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, held a panel during IPG Health’s annual Next: Innovation Week to discuss the transformative solutions under way.
Health Is the Face of Climate Change
Dengue, a mosquito-borne disease, has surged due to rising temperatures and shifting climate patterns. Flavia Maia, founder of Filha Do Sol—a nonprofit organization in Brazil working with women at the frontlines of the climate crisis—shared a personal account: “Brazil is facing the largest dengue outbreak in 24 years, with 5 million cases. This crisis exacerbates inequalities. It’s not only a public health issue, it’s a climate justice issue.”
The Power of Data
Robert Dubrow, Director at the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, is developing data driven responses to mitigate these impacts: “We’re working on an early warning system for dengue in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, using statistical models to predict outbreaks two months in advance. This proactive approach allows for community mobilization and mosquito control.”
Current solutions fall short. The interplay between air pollution and heat threatens urban populations, particularly with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases on the rise. Sumi Mehta, VP of Climate and Environmental Health at Vital Strategies, emphasized the data needs: “We need better routine collection of data on air pollution and heat-related illnesses. This can support clean air policies and advocate for stricter air quality standards.”
Innovation From Within
Sustainable healthcare systems are critical in the face of climate challenges. Roshan Rahnama, SVP of Strategy at McCann Global Health, shared an inspiring example from South Africa: “A local manufacturer repurposed 20 IV hospital drip bags to make free shoes for students. This initiative reduced medical waste, minimized plastic production, and created jobs, while providing children access to education.”
Empowering HCPs
Climate change considerations must be integrated into clinical practice. Mehta described efforts in India: “We train frontline health workers to guide patients on minimizing exposure to air pollution and heat.” Dubrow added, “Our online certificate program at Yale has trained over 700 professionals globally to tackle climate change and health.”
Education and Public Engagement
Despite the growing crisis, fewer than 50% of Americans believe climate change will harm their health. Public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness. Filha Do Sol is doing just this-building a women-led climate school in Brazil to train community leaders as climate advocates.
The Path Forward
Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must work together to enhance education and actionable information to mitigate health risks—and importantly, we must involve youth. Briana Ferrigno, President of McCann Global Health, summarized the urgency: “Climate health is public health. We invite everyone to get involved and play an active role in our response to climate health.”
