Research project AG/JJ/146 (Research action AG)
Nowadays, there is consensus among scientists that climate change is unequivocal and very likely to be caused by human activities (IPCC, 2007). However, many uncertainties remain with respect to the consequences of this phenomenon, its speed, magnitude, duration and adequate adaptation measures.
The aim of this project is to develop an integrated matrix of indicators to allow the monitoring of:
- the potential effects of climate change on human health
- the potential effects of climate change on the health of animals
and taking into account the effects and interactions with environmental factors
In the first phase of the project, an inventory of the potential effects of climate change on the health of humans and animals will be made. This will be based on the scientific literature, the reports of the IPCC, WHO, OIE, the European Environment Agency,… and by including experts’ advice. The inventory will include a preliminary list of indicators allowing for the monitoring of direct and indirect effects of climate change on the health of humans and animals.
A report of the potential effects of climate change on health as well as the preliminary list of indicators will be presented during a workshop on the 31th of March 2009. A first evaluation of the pertinence of the indicators, the associated uncertainties and the format as a decision-tool will take place during this workshop.
The second part aims to make the inventory of the available information sources to allow for the monitoring of the indicators established in the first phase of the project. This task consists in the identification of the actors (institutes, administrations,…) which can deliver data, the identification of on-going initiatives that may be integrated, the assessment of aspects related to data-delivery such as costs, level at which data are available, readiness to deliver data,… In addition, missing information for indicators will be identified. The list of indicators will be integrated in the European and international context, in order to increase the comparability.
The third phase of the project consists in the description of data-sets received (listing of variables,…) and the priority setting for indicators that should be monitored or for which data should be collected. The priority setting will be based on objective criteria (scientific basis, easy to understand, data accessibility, policy relevance).
The projects’ results will be presented at an international workshop.
Climate change and health : final report
Brussels : Federal Science Policy, 2010 (SP2172)
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