18th November 2024

The implications of climate change impacts on health and social care for researchers and research funders

A collective approach to understanding and mitigating the health impacts of climate change is key for safeguarding future generations – that’s the message from experts who met at Health and Care Research Wales’ annual conference to discuss the impacts of climate change on health and social care.

Chaired by Dr Josie Jackson, Head of Research Prioritisation, Commissioning, and Knowledge Mobilisation at the Welsh Government, the session explored the urgent research needs and role of funding in understanding the impact of climate change on health and social care with a focus on inequalities, and shaping resilient health and social care systems.

Dr Sara MacBride-Stewart from Cardiff University presented compelling evidence showing that climate change exacerbates health inequalities. Her findings illustrated the avoidable differences in health outcomes based on socioeconomic factors and vulnerability to climate impacts, with data reinforcing the need for an equitable transition to net-zero, addressing both protected characteristics and socioeconomic disparities.

Sara presented analysis of the panel discussions from the Equality Mainstreaming for Net Zero Jobs and Skills panel, to show how proposed actions for equalities can be organised around a framework for equalities fit for the next generation of Just Transitions policy making in Wales.

Samantha Turner, a Senior Researcher from Swansea University, emphasised the importance of collaboration among researchers to tackle the complex interplay between climate-related health risks and vulnerable populations in Wales. She highlighted the potential of analysing linked routinely collected data – such as GP, hospital, administrative, and meteorological records – to inform effective interventions.

And Lisa Wise, representing the Welsh Government’s Climate Change and Environmental Public Health division, illustrated the stark reality of healthcare waste during one 12-hour period in an intensive care unit. She cautioned that without immediate action, the gap between global climate ambitions and the targets set by the Paris Agreement could further jeopardise public health.

The discussions underscored the urgent need for researchers and funders to design low-carbon, high-resilience systems and develop greener pharmaceuticals. As we face the tipping points of climate-related diseases, the call for proactive measures is clear.