Report News

Resources on Planetary Health

date : 4/5/2024

Note: Most resources are available in English only.

TypeTitleYearAuthor/PublisherAbstract
Essay/Review保健医療分野におけるカーボンニュートラルと健康影響（Health Impacts of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality in the Healthcare Sector）2023Masahiro HashizumeThe author explains health impacts of climate change and carbon neutrality in the healthcare sector based on "Review of IPCC Evidence 2022: climate change, health, and well-being" by World Health Organization.
ArticleConsumption in the G20 nations causes particulate air pollution resulting in two million premature deaths annually2021Keisuke Nansai, Susumu Tohno, Satoru Chatani, Keiichiro Kanemoto, Shigemi Kagawa, Yasushi Kondo, Wataru Takayanagi & Manfred LenzenWorldwide exposure to ambient PM2.5 causes over 4 million premature deaths annually. This paper quantifies the global footprint of PM2.5-driven premature deaths for the 19 G20 nations in a position to lead such efforts. G20 consumption in 2010 was responsible for 1.983 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.685–2.285] million premature deaths, at an average age of 67, including 78.6 [71.5–84.8] thousand infant deaths, implying that the G20 lifetime consumption of about 28 [24–33] people claims one life. The results indicate that G20 nations should take responsibility for their footprint rather than focusing solely on transboundary air pollution, as this would expand opportunities for reducing PM2.5-driven premature mortality. Given the infant mortality footprint identified, it would moreover contribute to ensuring infant lives are not unfairly left behind in countries like South Africa, which have a weak relationship with G20 nations.
International OrganizationClimate change and health2021World Health Organization (WHO)This article summarizes the health impacts of climate change. Climate change is directly contributing to humanitarian emergencies from heatwaves, wildfires, floods, tropical storms and hurricanes and they are increasing in scale, frequency and intensity. Research shows that 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly susceptible to climate change. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250 000 additional deaths per year, from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone. The direct damage costs to health (excluding costs in health-determining sectors such as agriculture and water and sanitation) is estimated to be between US$ 2–4 billion per year by 2030. Areas with weak health infrastructure – mostly in developing countries – will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy use choices can result in very large gains for health, particularly through reduced air pollution.
International OrganizationClimate Action Fast Factsn.d.United NationsFact sheets that summarize the main points about climate change and their respective impacts (temperature rise, economy, labor, reused energy, finance, adaptation measures, food and agriculture, nature, health, oceans, water, early warning, bioequity, and transportation).
International OrganizationFast Facts on climate and healthn.d.United NationsOne of the fact sheets by the UN that shows the relationship between health and climate change. Climate change threatens human health, affecting air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced migration, food insecurity, and mental health. Each year, environmental factors account for about 13 million deaths, and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement could save about 1 million lives a year worldwide by 2050 through air pollution reduction alone.
International Organization2021 WHO Health and Climate Change Survey Report2021World Health Organization (WHO)The survey is sent to the national health authorities, who in collaboration with other relevant ministries and stakeholders, provide updated information on key areas including: leadership and governance, national vulnerability and adaptation assessments, emergency preparedness, disease surveillance, adaptation and resilience measures, climate and health finance, and mitigation in the health sector. Regular updates on key health and climate change indicators provide insight into the implementation of policies and plans, the status of assessments of health vulnerability and capacity to respond to climate change and better understand the barriers to achieving health adaptation and mitigation priorities.
International OrganizationGlobal climate change and child health: training for health care providers2019World Health Organization (WHO)These slides from WHO explains the relationship between climate change and children's health to healthcare professionals. It explains the particular impacts on children and mitigation measures in the healthcare industry. Climate change affects health through a variety of direct and indirect impacts. Direct impacts include extreme heat, extreme weather, air pollution, food- and water-borne and vector-borne infectious diseases. These impacts can also be impacted through ecosystems and human institutions, leading to issues such as undernutrition, occupational and outdoor exposure, migration, and mental stress. Children require more air, water, and food than adults, and their unique vulnerabilities further amplify their vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change.
ReportThe 2023 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: the imperative for a health-centred response in a world facing irreversible harms2023Marina Romanello, PhD Claudia di Napoli, PhD Carole Green, MPH Harry Kennard, PhD Pete Lampard, PhD Daniel Scamman, PhD et al.The Lancet Countdown is an international research collaboration that independently monitors the evolving impacts of climate change on health, and the emerging health opportunities of climate action. In its eighth iteration, this 2023 report draws on the expertise of 114 scientists and health practitioners from 52 research institutions and UN agencies worldwide to provide its most comprehensive assessment yet.
ReportThe 2022 report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: health at the mercy of fossil fuels2022Marina Romanello, PhD Claudia di Napoli, PhD Paul Drummond, MSc Carole Green, BA Harry Kennard, PhD Pete Lampard, PhD et al.The Lancet Countdown is an international research collaboration that independently monitors the evolving impacts of climate change on health, and the emerging health opportunities of climate action. In its eighth iteration, this 2023 report draws on the expertise of 114 scientists and health practitioners from 52 research institutions and UN agencies worldwide to provide its most comprehensive assessment yet.
Portal SiteGlobal Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN)n.d.World Health Organization (WHO) & World Meteorological Organization (WMO)Comprehensive up-to-date information on heat-related issues around the world, including information, reports, seminars, and conferences in various countries and regions.
Portal SiteHEAT.govn.d.U.S. Department of CommerceThis is a website operated by the U.S. that provides comprehensive information on heat-related issues. The site provides all kinds of information to prevent health hazards caused by heat, including heat warnings, surveillance information, future climate projections, vulnerability maps, and the latest research findings.
International OrganizationFrom the G7 Health Communiqué to Action: Health and Climate GHHIN2022Global Heat Health Information NetworkSummary of the online meeting "From the G7 Health Communiqué to Action: Health and Climate - Heat Preparedness through Early Warning Systems" on November 29. It shows the current situation and challenges faced by G7 countries in heat preparedness.
International OrganizationHealth and Climate: Heat Preparedness through Early Warning Systems2022World Health Organization (WHO) & World Meteorological Organization (WMO)The report is based on the content of the online meeting “From the G7 Health Communiqué to Action: Health and Climate - Heat Preparedness through Early Warning Systems” held on November 29, 2022. This report captures the expert discussions during the event on the state of implementation, opportunities, challenges and advances in protecting communities from increasing extreme heat. Its conclusions allow the G7 countries to learn from each other and share important lessons with the broader global community.
ReportHEAT EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS ROUNDTABLE2023Global Heat Health Information NetworkA report based on discussions at the roundtable, where experts from around the world gathered in Washington, DC, USA, in February 2023 to discuss scaling up heat stroke early warning systems. The report discusses issues such as the integration of early warning systems and vulnerability information, how early warning should be provided in areas where there is a chronic need to be alert to heat, how warning systems should work when disasters occur in a chain of events, and how warning systems should encourage behavior change, based on the experiences of different countries.
International OrganizationHeat and Health2018World Health Organization (WHO)Fact sheet on heat and health prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO). It describes the population affected, the indirect and direct effects, and what measures should be taken.
International OrganizationPublic health advice on preventing health effects of heat2011World Health Organization (WHO)A public health guideline for the health effects of heat, prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011.
International OrganizationHeatwaves and health: guidance on warning-system development2016World Health Organization (WHO) & World Meteorological Organization (WMO)This is a guidance on warning-system development that has been developed jointly by WMO and WHO to outline for practitioners in both NMHSs and National Health Services (NHSs) the issues surrounding the general heat–health problem and present how an understanding of the biometeorology, epidemiology, public-health and risk-communication aspects of heat as a hazard can be used to inform the development of an HHWS as part of a wider HHAP. The Guidance places emphasis on the practical aspects of HHWSs at a generic level and is not intended to be prescriptive. The Guidance has been produced to have global applicability. It has drawn on expert opinion and the acquired experience of a wide range of people and institutions involved in the development of warning systems and heat plans.
International OrganizationMental health and Climate Change: Policy Brief2022World Health Organization (WHO)Climate change exacerbates many social, environmental and economic risk factors for problems in mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. Yet, despite this impact, large gaps also exist in many countries between mental health needs and the availability and accessibility of the mental health systems and services to address them. In response to these challenges, WHO has developed a policy brief describing the interconnections between climate change and mental health and providing five key recommendations on potential approaches to address the mental health impacts of the climate crisis.
ReportQuality criteria for the evaluation of climate-informed early warning systems for infectious diseases2021World Health Organization (WHO)This guide by WHO aims to outline key technical and operational criteria surrounding the performance, application, implementation and effectiveness of EWS and to illustrate how an understanding of these issues can be used for the evaluation of EWS for multiple infectious disease outbreaks. This guidance is aimed at national authorities of infectious disease programmes and health information systems of ministries of health (MoH).
News StoryWHO launches a new Global Initiative on Digital Health supported by the G20 Presidency2023World Health Organization (WHO)An article about the World Health Organization (WHO) launching a new global initiative on digital health with the support of the G20 presidency.
ToolEUROMOMO （欧州のリアルタイムサーベイランスシステム）n.d.EuroMOMOEuroMOMO is a European mortality monitoring activity, aiming to detect and measure excess deaths related to seasonal influenza, pandemics and other public health threats. Official national mortality statistics are provided weekly from the 27 European countries or subnational regions in the EuroMOMO collaborative network, supported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and hosted by Statens Serum Institut, Denmark.
ArticleHeat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 20222023Joan Ballester, Marcos Quijal-Zamorano, Raúl Fernando Méndez Turrubiates, Ferran Pegenaute, François R. Herrmann, Jean Marie Robine, Xavier Basagaña, Cathryn Tonne, Josep M. Antó & Hicham AchebakOver 70,000 excess deaths occurred in Europe during the summer of 2003. The resulting societal awareness led to the design and implementation of adaptation strategies to protect at-risk populations. The aim of the research was to quantify heat-related mortality burden during the summer of 2022, the hottest season on record in Europe. The research analyzed the Eurostat mortality database, which includes 45,184,044 counts of death from 823 contiguous regions in 35 European countries, representing the whole population of over 543 million people. The research estimated 61,672 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 37,643–86,807) heat-related deaths in Europe between 30 May and 4 September 2022. Relative to population, the research estimated 56% more heat-related deaths in women than men, with higher rates in men aged 0–64 (+41%) and 65–79 (+14%) years, and in women aged 80+ years (+27%). The results of the research call for a reevaluation and strengthening of existing heat surveillance platforms, prevention plans and long-term adaptation strategies.
News StoryFACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Protect Workers and Communities from Extreme Heat2023THE WHITE HOUSE, U.S.A White House fact sheet stating that President Biden's request that the Department of Labor issue its first ever heat-related hazard warning and step up efforts to protect workers from the effects of extreme heat. As the intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme heat in the U.S. increases due to the climate crisis, affecting millions of people, President Biden announced new investments to protect communities, improve weather forecasting, and strengthen water availability.
Portal SiteEnvironmental and Health Data Portal/ Climate and Healthn.d.New York City, U.S.This site provides comprehensive information on climate and health in New York City. This site can also be used to review a report on heat-related deaths in New York City (also focuses on excess deaths, analyzes community vulnerability, and is produced annually).
News StoryWHO urges ‘surveillance system’ for those most vulnerable to extreme heat2023Eric StoberThis article describes how the WHO is encouraging countries to set up a “strong surveillance system” to aid those most vulnerable to the health risks of extreme heat, which include heat stroke and exhaustion.
Essay/ReviewClimate change, biodiversity loss and mental health: a global perspective2022Paolo Cianconi, Daniele Hirsch, Stefania Chiappini Stefania Chiappini, Giovanni Martinotti and Luigi JaniriClimate change can have various psychopathological manifestations which have been more actively addressed by scientific research only in recent years. This article reviewes these recent studies. Extreme weather events and environmental changes have been shown to be associated with a range of mental health problems. Following the destruction of ecosystems, biodiversity loss can cause mental distress and emotional responses, including so-called ‘psychoterratic’ syndromes arising from negatively felt and perceived environmental change. Studies investigating relationships between biodiversity and mental health reveal a complex landscape of scientific evidence, calling for a better understanding of this challenging issue.
Essay/ReviewTransdisciplinary Research Priorities for Human and Planetary Health in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development2020Kristie L Ebi, Frances Harris, Giles B Sioen, Chadia Wannous, Assaf Anyamba, Peng Bi, Melanie Boeckmann, Kathryn Bowen, Guéladio Cissé, Purnamita Dasgupta, Gabriel O Dida, Alexandros Gasparatos, Franz Gatzweiler, Firouzeh Javadi, Sakiko Kanbara, Brama Kone, Bruce Maycock, Andy Morse, Takahiro Murakami, Adetoun Mustapha, Montira Pongsiri, Gerardo Suzán, Chiho Watanabe, Anthony CaponThis review paper is the outcome of an interdisciplinary workshop under the auspices of the Future Earth Health Knowledge Action Network (Health KAN). It outlines a research agenda to address cross-cutting knowledge gaps to further understanding and management of the health risks of these global environmental changes through an expert consultation and review process. The research agenda has four main themes: (1) risk identification and management (including related to water, hygiene, sanitation, and waste management); food production and consumption; oceans; and extreme weather events and climate change. (2) Strengthening climate-resilient health systems; (3) Monitoring, surveillance, and evaluation; and (4) risk communication. Research approaches need to be transdisciplinary, multi-scalar, inclusive, equitable, and broadly communicated. Promoting resilient and sustainable development are critical for achieving human and planetary health.
RecommendationAn urgent need for COP27: confronting converging crises2023Jim Falk, Rita R. Colwell, Swadhin K. Behera, Adel S. El-Beltagy, Peter H. Gleick, Charles F. Kennel, Yuan Tseh Lee, Cherry A. Murray, Ismail Serageldin, Kazuhiko Takeuchi, Tetsuzo Yasunari, Chiho Watanabe, Joanne Kauffman, Kurt Soderland, Ismahane Elouafi, Raj Paroda, Ashok K. Chapagain, John Rundle, Naota Hanasaki, Haruo Hayashi, Ebun Akinsete & Sachiko HayashidaRecommendations for addressing environmental issues. The recommendations highlights the need for globally available local data, reliable analytic techniques, community capacity to plan adaptation strategies, and the resources (scientific, technical, cultural, and economic) to implement them. This recommendation act as an urgent message to COP27, it is proposed that the time is now right to devote much greater emphasis, global funding, and support to the increasing adaptation needs of vulnerable populations.
ArticleSafe and just Earth system boundaries2023Johan RockströmThis article uses modelling and literature assessment to quantify safe and just Earth system boundaries (ESBs) for climate, the biosphere, water and nutrient cycles, and aerosols at global and subglobal scales. The article proposes ESBs for maintaining the resilience and stability of the Earth system (safe ESBs) and minimizing exposure to significant harm to humans from Earth system change (a necessary but not sufficient condition for justice)4. The stricter of the safe or just boundaries sets the integrated safe and just ESB. The findings show that justice considerations constrain the integrated ESBs more than safety considerations for climate and atmospheric aerosol loading. Seven of eight globally quantified safe and just ESBs and at least two regional safe and just ESBs in over half of global land area are already exceeded. The article proposes that our assessment provides a quantitative foundation for safeguarding the global commons for all people now and into the future.
Essay/ReviewSafeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch2015Dr Sarah Whitmee, PhD Prof Andy Haines, FMedSci Prof Chris Beyrer, MD Frederick Boltz, PhD Prof Anthony G Capon, PhD Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias, PhD Alex Ezeh, PhD Howard Frumkin, MD Prof Peng Gong, PhD Peter Head, BSc Richard Horton, FMedSci Prof Georgina M Mace, DPhil Robert Marten, MPH Samuel S Myers, MD Sania Nishtar, PhD Steven A Osofsky, DVM Prof Subhrendu K Pattanayak, PhD Montira J Pongsiri, PhD Cristina Romanelli, MSc Agnes Soucat, PhD Jeanette Vega, MD Derek Yach, MBChBThe concept of planetary health has expanded through this paper. The paper identify three categories of challenges that have to be addressed to maintain and enhance human health in the face of increasingly harmful environmental trends. Firstly, conceptual and empathy failures (imagination challenges), such as an over-reliance on gross domestic product as a measure of human progress, the failure to account for future health and environmental harms over present day gains, and the disproportionate effect of those harms on the poor and those in developing nations. Secondly, knowledge failures (research and information challenges), such as failure to address social and environmental drivers of ill health, a historical scarcity of transdisciplinary research and funding, together with an unwillingness or inability to deal with uncertainty within decision making frameworks. Thirdly, implementation failures (governance challenges), such as how governments and institutions delay recognition and responses to threats, especially when faced with uncertainties, pooled common resources, and time lags between action and effect.
Essay/Review人新世の健康学2021Chiho WatanabeThis is a summary of the awareness of issues (e.g., background on the emergence of planetary health) in health and environmental issues.
Essay/Reviewプラネタリーヘルスと資源の循環（Planetary Health and Resource Circulation）2022Chiho WatanabeThis editorial is a background and critical approach to planetary health.
ArticleEstimating the global risk of anthropogenic climate change2021Alexandre K. Magnan, Hans-Otto Pörtner, Virginie K. E. Duvat, Matthias Garschagen, Valeria A. Guinder, Zinta Zommers, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg & Jean-Pierre GattusoThis article develops a scoring system to translate qualitative IPCC risk assessments into risk scores that, when aggregated, describe global risk from climate change. The aricle shows that by the end of this century, global climate risk will increase substantially with greenhouse gas emissions compared to today (composite risk score increase of two- and fourfold under RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, respectively). Comparison of risk levels under +1.5 °C and +2 °C suggests that every additional 0.5 °C of global warming will contribute to higher risk globally (by about a third). Societal adaptation has the potential to decrease global climate risk substantially (by about half) under all RCPs, but cannot fully prevent residual risks from increasing (by one-third under RCP2.6 and doubling under RCP8.5, compared to today).
International OrganizationWhat is Climate Change?n.d.United NationsThe UN website that explains climate change, what climate change is, why it happens, and the effects of climate change.
ReportSixth Assessment Report2021Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeSixth Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
RecommendationThe relationship between climate change, health, and the humanitarian response2022Louisa Baxter, Catherine R McGowan, Sandra Smiley, Liliana Palacios, Carol Devine, and Cristian CasademontThis is a proposal submitted by members of Médecins Sans Frontières. It states that climate change, which the organization has witnessed in its work, is causing a cascade of two new crises on local communities and that it is causing serious inequalities.
Essay/ReviewExtreme Weather and Climate Change: Population Health and Health System Implications2021KristieL.Ebi, JenniferVanos, JaneW.Baldwin, JesseE.Bell, DavidM.Hondula, NicoleA.Errett, KatieHayes, ColleenE.Reid, Shubhayu Saha, June Spector, and Peter BerryThis review examins (a) the current impacts and projected risks of climate change on the health of populations and health systems from extreme weather and climate events and from wildfires, (b)the value of disaster management to reduce health risks from these changes, and (c) adaptation and mitigation measures that can explicitly address climate change in policies and planning processes.
ArticleTalking about Climate Change and Environmental Degradation with Patients in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Knowledge, Potential Domains of Action and Points of View of General Practitioners2022Hélène André, Julia Gonzalez Holguera, Anneliese Depoux, Jérôme Pasquier, Dagmar M Haller, Pierre-Yves Rodondi, Joëlle Schwarz, Nicolas SennThe aim of this study was to assess GPs' knowledge and perspectives about the health impacts of climate change. A questionnaire was sent to 1972 GPs in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Knowledge of the impact of environmental degradations and climate change on health and willingness to address climate change with patients, to be exemplary and to act as role models were surveyed as well as demographic characteristics of GPs. The results showed a high level of self-reported knowledge regarding climate change, although it was lower for more specific topics, such as planetary health or health-environment co-benefits. Participants mostly agreed that it is necessary to adapt clinical practice to the health impacts of climate change and that they have a role in providing information on climate change and its links to human health. Most of the GPs were concerned about environmental and climate degradation. However, this study revealed a gap between the willingness of GPs to integrate the impact of climate change on health into their clinical activities and their lack of overall knowledge and scientific evidence on effective interventions. A promising way forward may be to develop co-benefit interventions adapted to the clinical setting on diet, active mobility and connecting with nature.
ArticleDiscussing climate change and other forms of global environmental change during the clinical encounter: Exploring US physicians’ perspectives2021Alanya C.L. den Boer, Arianne Teherani, Evelien de HoopThis paper presents an initial qualitative exploration of United States physicians’ perspectives with regard to whether, why and how physicians might discuss the health effects of global environmental change, climate change in particular, with their patients and what would need to change in healthcare systems to facilitate this. Interviews were conducted with eighteen physicians working across the US and representing different medical specialties. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. The study found that most physicians felt such conversations should become part of clinical encounters, primarily to help patients protect their health. However, it was also highlighted that physicians might have objections, referring to the risk of creating feelings of fear or powerlessness and of undermining the physician-patient relationship. This study highlighted that such conversations therefore need to be relevant and actionable, for which timing and communication style are essential.
ArticleViews of health professionals on climate change and health: a multinational survey study2021John Kotcher, PhD Edward Maibach, PhD Jeni Miller, PhD Eryn Campbell, MS Lujain Alqodmani, MD Marina Maiero et al.This research reports findings from a large, multinational survey of health professionals (n=4654) that examined their views of climate change as a human health issue. Consistent with previous research, participants in this survey largely understood that climate change is happening and is caused by humans, viewed climate change as an important and growing cause of health harm in their country, and felt a responsibility to educate the public and policymakers about the problem. Despite their high levels of commitment to engaging in education and advocacy on the issue, many survey participants indicated that a range of personal, professional, and societal barriers impede them from doing so, with time constraints being the most widely reported barrier. However, participants say various resources—continuing professional education, communication training, patient education materials, policy statements, action alerts, and guidance on how to make health-care workplaces sustainable—can help to address those barriers. We offer recommendations on how to strengthen and support health professional education and advocacy activities to address the human health challenges of climate change.
Essay/ReviewConsecutive extreme flooding and heat wave in Japan: Are they becoming a norm? 2019Simon S.-Y. Wang, Hyungjun Kim, Dim Coumou, Jin-Ho Yoon, Lin Zhao, Robert R. GilliesIn July 2018, Japan experienced two contrasting, yet consecutive, extreme events: a devastating flood in early July followed by unprecedented heat waves a week later. Here, the authors call for an integrated view of the amplified EASM “lifecycle” that influences the extreme Baiu rainfall and subsequent heat wave in the same season, as well as the roles mid-latitude short-wave amplification and active TISO played in 2018.
Report令和4年版 防災白書（White Paper on Disaster Management 2022）2021Cabinet OfficeThe White Paper on Disaster Management in Japan is a report designated by law to be drawn up and reported annually to the ordinary session of the Diet pursuant to the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act. In addition to providing an overview of measures taken concerning disasters in the year before last (FY2021) and plans concerning disaster risk reduction for the current year (FY2022), each report features a theme based on the current state of disaster risk reduction policies at the time it was written.
Report気候変動影響評価報告書 詳細（Assessment Report on
Climate Change Impacts in Japan）		2020Ministry of the Environment, JapanThis report is an assessment, based on scientific findings, of the kinds of impacts climate change could have on Japan, in a total of 71 categories in seven sectors, from the perspective of magnitude and likelihood (significance), timing of occurrence, adaptation measures and critical decision-making (urgency), and certainty of information (confidence). It is expected that this report will find various uses as input for an update of Japan’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan, planned for fiscal year 2021, and for local governments and businesses to grasp the impacts of climate change and consider adaptation plans, etc.
ArticleEstimating excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic analysis of COVID-19-related mortality, 2020–212022Wang H, Paulson KR, Pease SAThis paper aims to estimate excess mortality from the COVID-19 pandemic in 191 countries and territories, and 252 subnational units for selected countries, from Jan 1, 2020, to Dec 31, 2021. The research finding shows that although reported COVID-19 deaths between Jan 1, 2020, and Dec 31, 2021, totalled 5·94 million worldwide, this paper estimate that 18·2 million (95% uncertainty interval 17·1–19·6) people died worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic (as measured by excess mortality) over that period.
News StoryWHO issues urgent call for global climate action to create resilient and sustainable health systems. 20232022World Health Organization (WHO)An article about how a panelists made an impassioned plea for urgent climate action as it hosted a Strategic Roundtable on the Role of the Health Communities in Climate Action: taking stock and moving forward at the World Health Assembly.
ArticlePrescription for healing the climate crisis: Insights on how to activate health professionals to advocate for climate and health solutions2021Kate T. Luong, John Kotcher, Jeni Miller, Eryn Campbell, Elissa Epel, Mona Sarfaty, and Edward MaibachThis paper analyzed data from a Fall 2020 survey of health professionals conducted in a diverse group of more than ten nations. The finding suggests that many health professionals around the world are potentially ready to engage in advocacy for health-protecting climate solutions. Although the paper's assessment focused on Alarmed professionals as they are most easily activated, 37% of non-Alarmed health professionals also have great potential to be activated as climate and health advocates. Compared to the Alarmed group, their biggest obstacle was perceiving climate advocacy to be too controversial. Given the worsening of the climate crisis and the shifting culture in the health sectors, this perception can quickly change, and their participation as advocates will be immensely beneficial.
RecommendationMitigating and adapting to climate change: a call to public health professionals2015Mirko S Winkler, Martin Röösli, Martina S Ragettli, Guéladio Cissé, Pie Müller, Jürg Utzinger, Laura PerezA recommendation stating that public health professionals need and have the responsibility to be at the forefront in shaping strategies tailored to specific social–ecological settings to reduce impact and vulnerability of climate change and increase resilience. Calling for a strong representation and leadership of public health professionals to the coming UNFCC in Paris to ensure the message gets reinforced: health matters are at stake.
Essay/ReviewLimiting global warming to 1.5 to 2.0°C-A unique and necessary role for health professionals2019Edward W. Maibach, Mona Sarfaty, Mark Mitchell, and Rob GouldAn editorial discussing the important role of health professionals in future responses to threats of climate change.
Essay/ReviewCommunication research to improve engagement with climate change and human health: A review. 2023Eryn Campbell, Sri Saahitya Uppalapati, John Kotcher, Edward MaibachThis review briefly discusses the human health harms of climate change, climate and health solutions, and provide a thorough synthesis of social science research on climate and health communication. Through the review, the authors found that social science research provides an evidence-based foundation for messaging strategies that can build public and political will for climate and health solutions. This review serves as a resource for those interested in communicating about climate change and health and suggests that social scientists can continue to support practitioners with research and advice on the most effective communication strategies.
ArticlePhysicians' views of patient-planetary health co-benefit prescribing: a mixed methods systematic review2023Redvers NUsing patient–planetary health (P–PH) co-benefit prescribing framing, this paper did a mixed methods systematic review to identify barriers and facilitators to adopting P–PH co-benefit prescribing by physicians and mapped these onto the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Relevant categories were matched to items in the COM-B model and TDF. Nine barriers and eight facilitators were identified. Barriers included an absence of, or little, knowledge of how to change practice and time to implement change; facilitators included having policy statements and guidelines from respected associations.
Essay/Review地球規模気候変動による健康と疾病への影響（Effects of Global Climate Change on Health and Diseases）1989Mitsuru AndoEffects on morbidity and mortality following both global warming and ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation increase are summarized. (1) The abnormally high atmospheric temperature ("heat wave") may be associated with increase in morbidity and mortality of high risk groups, such as the elderly. (2) Increased photochemical oxidants in urban areas with warming trend will have effects on human health and could cause inflammatory disease of eyes and many types of respiratory diseases. (3) The concentration of agrochemicals and pesticides in the environment would increase thereby resulting in human exposure. (4) Since the climate change would affect the seasonal and geographical abundance of major vector species like mosquito, the incidence of vector-borne diseases could be affected. (5) Since depletion of stratospheric ozone layer effect would increase UV-B radiation, a number of diseases of the skin and eyes may increase.
Essay/Review世界のHuman Biomonitoringと日本の課題：実践と政策応用（World Trends in Human Biomonitoring and Challenges in Japan: Implementation and Application in Policy Making）2020Shoji NAKAYAMAThis review introduces human biomonitoring (HBM) in U.S., Germany, Canada and Korea. The author also recommends that HBM with representativeness be implemented in Japan.
Essay/Review廃棄物処分場浸出水中のPCNs，PFASs，HCBDおよび
HBCD濃度の実態把握に向けた国内外における研究動向（Trends in Domestic and International Research for the Determination of PCNs, PFASs, HCBD and HBCD Concentrations in Landfill Leachates）		2021Yoshinori Yabuki"The garbage generated from our modern lifestyles undergoes intermediate treatment such as incineration, etc. and is then landfilled at waste disposal sites. Often, various substances, including POPs and others, can be accumulating at these sites and may be detected in landfill leachates over the long term. As a result of this study, PFASs, including PFOA and PFOS, have been detected in the order of thousands of ng/L from landfill leachates and concentrations for HBCD and HCBD measured about two orders magnitude lower than those of PFASs. Notably, the concentrations of PCNs in landfill leachates is still unclear. Some reports suggest that activated carbon adsorptions, photocatalysis and high-pressure membranes treatments are effective in removing PFASs from water samples. Insufficient knowledge regarding concentration of POPs
and their reduction during the treatment process in landfill leachates suggests that further research, with monitoring and prediction models for landfill fields, is still required."
ArticleHokkaido birth cohort study on environment and children’s health: cohort profile 20212017Reiko Kishi, Atsuko Ikeda-Araki, Chihiro Miyashita, Sachiko Itoh, Sumitaka Kobayashi, Yu Ait Bamai, Keiko Yamazaki, Naomi Tamura, Machiko Minatoya, Rahel Mesfin Ketema, Kritika Poudel, Ryu Miura, Hideyuki Masuda, Mariko Itoh, Takeshi Yamaguchi, Hisanori Fukunaga, Kumiko Ito, Houman Goudarzi & the members of The Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children’s HealthThe Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children’s Health is an ongoing study consisting of two birth cohorts of different population sizes: the Sapporo cohort and the Hokkaido cohort. The primary objectives of the study are to (1) examine the effects that low-level environmental chemical exposures have on birth outcomes, including birth defects and growth retardation; (2) follow the development of allergies, infectious diseases, and neurobehavioral developmental disorders, as well as perform a longitudinal observation of child development; (3) identify high-risk groups based on genetic susceptibility to environmental chemicals; and (4) identify the additive effects of various chemicals, including tobacco. The finding shows that chemical exposure to children can occur both before and after birth.
ArticlePresence of Microplastics in Four Types of Shellfish Purchased at Fish Markets in Okayama City, Japan2021Ken-ichi Yamamoto et al.This paper examined the presence of microplastics in four types of shellfish purchased from fish markets in Okayama, Japan and served to the public: short-neck clam (Ruditapes philippinarum, asari in Japanese), hard-shell clam (Meretrix lusoria, hamaguri), brackishwater clam (Cyrenidae, shijimi), and oyster (Crassostrea gigas, kaki). The analyses demonstrated that approx. 3 pieces of microplastics were present per single shellfish, based on the division of the total number of pieces of microplastic obtained from all 4 types of shellfish by the total number of shellfish examined.
Recommendationマイクロプラスチックによる水環境汚染の生態・健康影響研究の必要性とプラスチックのガバナンス（The pollution of water environment by microplastics: The Need for Ecological and Health Effects Research and the Governance of Plastics）2020Science Council of Japan(1) The Government of Japan should urgently investigate the origin of microplastics in the ocean, their dynamics in the aquatic environment, their feeding by marine organisms, and their migration and adverse effects on ecosystems. At the same time, promote cross-disciplinary basic and epidemiological research on the toxic effects on organisms and humans and their mechanisms, and hasten the collection of scientific knowledge that will contribute to a comprehensive presentation of scientific findings and to environmental and health risk assessment. (2) The government should accelerate national, industrial, and citizen efforts to "reduce the total amount of plastic emissions" by reducing the production and use of "disposable plastics. (3) The government should curb the use of primary microplastics and develop and promptly implement effective methods of collecting marine plastics that are the origin of secondary microplastics.
ArticleThe effect of the 2018 Japan Floods on cognitive decline among long-term care insurance users in Japan: a retrospective cohort study2021Shuhei Yoshida et al.The object of this study was to reveal the effect of this disaster in terms of cognitive decline among the elderly. This study showed that elderly living at home during the 2018 Japan Floods were at risk for cognitive decline. Medical providers, care providers, and local governments should establish a system to check on the cognitive function of elderly victims and provide necessary care support.
ArticleChanges in the factors contributing to the reduction of landslide fatalities between 1945 and 2019 in Japan2022Yoshinori Shinohara, Tomonori KumeLandslides are natural hazards that cause severe damage and human losses. Japan has succeeded in reducing the number of landslide fatalities and is one of the few countries with long-term databases of landslide fatalities. In this study, we identified the factors that contributed to the decrease in fatalities associated with rainfall-triggered landslides in Japan between 1945 and 2019. The factors that contributed to the decrease in landslide fatalities changed with time, suggesting that measures for reducing landslide fatalities changed according to the degree of maturity of the nation.
Article熊本県旧倉岳町における天草大水害と移転復興（Flood Disaster and Collective Relocation at Kuratake Town, Amakusa Area: Resettlement and in the Aftermath）2014Miwa AbeAct Concerning the Special Fiscal Measures for the Promotion of Collective Relocation for Disaster Prevention went into in December 1972 following the flood disaster that occurred in the Kyushu and Tohoku areas in 1972. Prior to 1972, disaster recovery policy was seen as 'rebuilding' policy, however, the Act gave disaster recovery policy a new definition which is 'build back better" policy. This study examines the process of collective relocation of the impacted people in the Amakusa area in Kyushuu. Through literature review and interviews, this report studies the concerns between the impacted people and local government officers as well as the relocation issues over the 40 years following relocation.
Article近年の土砂災害による死者・行方不明者数の経年変動（The recent trend in annual death toll by landslide disasters in Japan）2016Yoshinori Shinohara and Hikaru KomatsuThis study examined the trend in the number of deaths by landslide disasters to consider the trend in precipitation. We used survey data from 1983 to 2013 in Japan. The number of landslide disasters in each year was significantly correlated to the precipitation amount averaged over northern, eastern, and western Japan between May and October (p<0.05 ; R =0.78). The relationship in the first 16 years (1983－1998) was similar to that in the last 15 years (1999－2013). The death toll by landslide disasters was correlated to the number of landslides. The slope in the first period was steeper than that in the second period, indicating a decreasing trend in the ratio of deaths to landslides. We also found a decreasing trend in the number of houses involved in landslide disasters during the analysis period. However, there was no trend in the ratio of deaths to that of completely collapsed houses. Our results suggest that the decrease in the number of houses involved in landslide disasters is the dominant factor in the reduced death toll by landslide disasters.
ArticleAssociations Between Perceived Environmental Pollution and Mental Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in East Asia2020Takashi Yamashita, Giyeon Kim, and Anthony R. BardoGiven the widely used objective measures of environmental pollution in previous research, this study investigated subjective measures in relation to mental health among middle-aged and older adults in three East Asian countries—China, Japan, and South Korea. Greater perceived pollution indicators, as well as the perceived pollution index, were associated with poorer mental health, even after adjusting for covariates in all three countries. Although results need to be further verified in future research, national-level efforts to improve perceptions of environmental pollution may be useful to enhance the mental health of East Asian middle-aged and older adults.
Articleメチル水銀汚染地域住民のメンタルヘルスの状態とその関連要因（Factors Relating to the Conditions and Characteristics of Mental Health among the Inhabitants in a Methylmercury Polluted Area）2005Kayo USHIJIMA, Masahiro SHONO, Takao KITANO and Makoto FUTATSUKALittle attention has been paid to mental health of inhabitants of methylmercury-polluted areas. The objective of this study was to examine the factors relating to the conditions and characteristics of mental health of inhabitants residing in a methylmercury-polluted area. Depression and anxiety of the inhabitants may be directly caused by the health condition.
Further investigations with more precise and detailed measurements are needed to corroborate the causal relationship.
Essay/Review気候変動と食料システム（Climate Change and Food Systems）2022Toshihiro HasegawaGlobal warming and associated changes in precipitation patterns caused by greenhouse gas emissions aff ect food production and availability, utilization, and stability of food security. Food systems, defi ned as the collective systems covering the activities and processes involved in food production, distribution, processing, and consumption, are a signifi cant source of greenhouse gas emissions. This paper introduces recent studies on the impact of anthropogenic climate change on agricultural production and the actual status of greenhouse gases from food systems and discusses necessary research directions for the food system under future climate change.
Essay/Review地球温暖化に伴う健康リスク（Health Risk Evaluation of Global Warming）1990Mitsuru AndoGlobal warming may lead to changes in morbidity and mortality. It directly affects the ecosystem and alters the human hazards such as parasites, pathogens, pesticides and chemical pollutants. The climatic change also affects human health as it brings about changes in air quality and water quality. The major causes of mortality, such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease and respiratory disease are influenced by the environmental factors such as climate and urbanization. In the economically developed countries, these diseases constitute the major cause of death. In temperate regions, the seasonal trends of the mortality of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases indicate a winter maximum and summer minimum. Global warming changes the environmental factors and affect the seasonal trends of these diseases in many countries. The risk evaluation of heat wave stress, pesticides pollution, air pollution, water pollution, and vectorborne diseases by global warming is necessary.
ArticleClimate change anxiety and mental health: Environmental activism as buffer2022Sarah E. O. Schwartz, Laelia Benoit, Susan Clayton, McKenna F. Parnes, Lance Swenson & Sarah R. LoweThis mixed methods study draws on data collected from a sample of emerging adult students (ages 18–35) in the United States (N = 284) to address these gaps. Results indicated that both CCA subscales were significantly associated with GAD symptoms, while only the Functional Impairment subscale was associated with higher MDD symptoms. Moreover, engaging in collective action, but not individual action, significantly attenuated the association between CCA cognitive emotional impairment and MDD symptoms. Responses to open-ended questions asking about participants’ worries and actions related to climate change indicated the severity of their worries and, for some, a perception of the insignificance of their actions relative to the enormity of climate change.
Essay/ReviewClimate change and mental health research methods, gaps, and priorities: a scoping review2022Alison R Hwong, MD
Margaret Wang, MD
Hammad Khan, MD
D Nyasha Chagwedera, MD
Adrienne Grzenda, MD
Benjamin Doty, PhD
et al.		To summarise key advances and gaps in the current state of climate change and mental health studies, we conducted a scoping review that comprehensively examined research methodologies using large-scale datasets. We identified 56 eligible articles published in Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science between Jan 1, 2000, and Aug 9, 2020. This review highlights the need to link population-based mental health outcome databases to weather data for causal inference. Collaborations between mental health providers and data scientists can guide the formation of clinically relevant research questions on climate change.
News StorySpecial Issue: Climate Change and Migrationn.d.Migrantion Policy Institute (MPI)This special issue, with articles from leading scholars, examines the connection between climate change and migration through historical, scientific, and legal overviews, on a global scale and in individual countries. The special issue is accompanied by a podcast, Changing Climate, Changing Migration, hosted by Migration Information Source Editor Julian Hattem, which you can find on this website or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
ReportPublic Health Situation Analysis: El Niño2023World Health Organization (WHO)This Public Health Situation Analysis (PHSA) identifies the current and potential health impacts that vulnerable populations may face as a result of the global El Niño climate event, and describes health systems’ capacities to respond. It provides a common and comprehensive understanding of the crisis in order to inform health response planning. The ongoing El Niño is highly likely to have wide-ranging health implications on a global scale. In the coming months, the most severe health threats are likely to arise from malnutrition due to ongoing food insecurity compounded by the effects of El Niño. Detailed information on key health threats and at-risk countries is presented throughout the document.
Essay/Review公衆衛生分野における気候変動の影響と適応策（Public health impacts of climate change and adaptation measures in Japan）2020Masahiro HashizumeThe author summarizes the health chapter of the Ministry of the Environmentʼs Climate Change Impact Assessment Report released in December 2020, and explains suggested adaptation measures in Japan.The Climate Change Adaptation Law was enacted in 2018, and it will be necessary for society to promote adaptation measures to minimize associated impacts on public health. It is also critical to assess whether the current health care system will be capable of meeting the communityʼs medical needs and maintaining health standards, even under future scenarios involving these adverse health impacts. In addition, it is also recommended to pursue co-benefits that promote mitigation measures, while simultaneously promoting health. Human health should always be prioritized in promoting adaptation measures.
Report日本における気候変動による影響の評価に関する報告と今後の課題について（Report on Assessment of Impacts of Climate Change in Japan and Future Challenges）2015Central Environment Council of the Ministry of the Environment, JapanFrom the scientific perspective, this report summarizes what kind of impacts could be occurring due to climate change in Japan, as well as the magnitude and probability (significance) of impacts, timing of occurrence of impacts, timing required to initiate adaptation measures and critical decision-making (urgency), and the certainty of information (confidence).
ArticleEffects of high ambient temperature on ambulance dispatches in different age groups in Fukuoka, Japan2018Kazuya Kotani, Kayo Ueda, Xerxes Seposo, Shusuke Yasukochia, Hiroko Matsumoto, Masaji OnoAccording to the literature, the highest risks have been observed among the elderly in the temperature–mortality relationship. However, findings regarding the temperature–morbidity relationship are inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association of temperature with ambulance dispatches due to acute illnesses, stratified by age group. The study used the data for ambulance dispatches in Fukuoka, Japan, during May and September from 2005 to 2012. The study did not find any definite difference in the effect of high temperature on ambulance dispatches for different age groups. However, more measures should be taken for younger and middle-aged people to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Portal SiteClimate and health resources – C-CHANGE2018Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthHarvard School of Public Health Website
Portal SiteResources for climate resilient and low carbon health systems2018World Health Organization (WHO)Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), initiated by the UK, World Health Organization (WHO), and others.
Essay/Reviewサステイナビリティ・サイエンスの展開—人新世の時代を見据えて—（Evolution of Sustainability Science in the Era of Anthropocene）2023Tomohiro TASAKI, Yasuko KAMEYAMA, Toshihiko MASUI, et al.After revisiting the trends in science and the progress in conceptual studies of sustainability, we considered the prospects of sustainability science in the era of the Anthropocene from three viewpoints: understanding the complex human‒global environment system and its recognition as a society, reconstruction of social goals and intergenerational succession, and system transition. We finally reached 11 issues, including the following. Studies to understand complex human-global environmental systems comprehensively have increased, but sustainability issues are not necessarily covered. Transdisciplinary perspectives are needed, especially in reconstructing social goals and sustainability criteria. Research on happiness has progressed, but additional studies are needed to replace GDP as a social goal. Intergenerational issues have received greater attention, but many research topics remain. System transition requires an approach different from the conventional environmental policy approach.

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