healthRiskADAPT - User-driven Health risk Assessment Services and Innovative ADAPTation options against Threats from Heatwaves, Air Pollution, Wildfire Emission and Pollen

Transformative adaptation is gaining recognition as the appropriate response to climate change as the current adaptive measures reach their limits. In addressing health risks associated with heat waves, air pollution, wildfire emission and pollen, the implementation of comprehensive transformative adaptation remains largely unreported in Europe.

healthRiskADAPT’s objective is to develop and implement a health risk assessment system for Mediterranean, Alpine and Continental regions. Its contents and tools will be in line with the Urban Adaptation Support Tool described in Climate-ADAPT. This will support empowerment of local and regional authorities to make informed decisions in strategic planning, management and daily operational mitigation of health challenges related to climate change.

healthRiskADAPT will address the fundamental causes of vulnerability and implement concrete adaptation measures aiming to mitigate the health impacts of climate change. The key details of this approach include:

1. Co-creation with users of integrated transformative adaptation options encompassing technical, nature based, and social solutions, reducing the impact of climate-related risks on human health in both indoor and outdoor environments. 
2. Vulnerability assessments, health indicators, and risk indices related to climate change impact on health, considering different temporal and spatial scales. 
3. Interactive and user-friendly toolkit for local & regional authorities to assess hazards, vulnerability, and risks specific to their regions. These toolkits will facilitate the prioritization, planning, and evaluation of adaptation options. 

healthRiskADAPT will use various communication techniques to actively engage with all stakeholders involved in the adaptation process, and develop an upscaling strategy to meet the ambitions of the Climate mission. Furthermore, we seek to enhance the preparedness of the healthcare system to respond effectively to the challenges posed by the effects of climate change.

Swiss TPH will lead Work Package 3 (WP3), which focuses on assessing health impacts associated with exposure to hazards such as heatwaves, air pollution, wildfire emissions, and pollen. By integrating socioeconomic, environmental, and health factors, Swiss TPH will develop high-resolution health indicators, as well as vulnerability and risk indices related to climate change impact on health. These tools will support local and regional authorities in enhancing preparedness, strengthening early warning systems, and strategically planing for climate-related health challenges, enabling effective and actionable responses to mitigate climate risks.

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