Methods of assessing human health vulnerability and public health adaptation to climate change

Overview

Provides information on qualitative and quantitative methods of assessing human health vulnerability and public health adaptation to climate change. Objectives and the steps for assessing vulnerability and adaptation are described. For a range of health outcomes, methods are presented for evaluation of evidence that climate change could affect morbidity and mortality; projection of future impacts; and identification of adaptation strategies, policies, and measures to reduce current and future negative effects.

The health outcomes considered are morbidity and mortality from heat and heat-waves, air pollution, floods and windstorms, and food insecurity; vector-borne diseases; water- and food-borne diarrheal diseases; and adverse health outcomes associated with stratospheric ozone depletion.