A new analysis of over 2.4 million social media posts and news headlines reveals that only 3.1% of climate-related content mentions health impacts, exposing a critical gap in public discourse. Researchers highlight the need for health-focused messaging to mobilise broader climate action.
The Planetary Health Cluster, a collaboration of five EU-funded projects, addresses the health impacts of environmental changes through joint research, events, and policy recommendations. Its newly launched website serves as a central hub for updates, research insights, and stakeholder engagement, supporting efforts like SPRINGS.
Dr. Rasmus Benestad's latest study reveals how climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns in the Nordic region, with fewer rainy days but much heavier downpours. This research highlights the urgent need for climate action and offers vital insights for improving infrastructure, urban planning, and disaster management to adapt to these changes.
Dr. Colston published a study highlighting how housing quality impacts health. Analysing data from over 6 million households, it reveals stark disparities, with Sub-Saharan Africa lagging behind in using durable materials. The study underscores the importance of improved housing in reducing disease risks and tackling health inequalities.
The SPRINGS team visited Haydom, Tanzania, to assess local water sources and collaborate with local teams on improving water safety. Researchers also explored expanding diarrhoeal surveillance by linking water quality with clinical data to better understand waterborne diseases.
The annual UNC Water and Health Conference highlighted the critical role of climate-resilient WaSH systems in public health. SPRINGS project member Jerome Lock-Wah-Hoon presented the project’s work on addressing climate-driven diarrhoeal diseases, engaging a global audience.
New research shows that combining weather data with health information helps predict viral diarrhoeal disease, supporting the SPRINGS project’s climate-resilient health solutions. The study, involving SPRINGS member Josh Colston, highlights weather station and satellite data as valuable tools for global health initiatives.
The recent SPRINGS project visit to Akuse, Ghana, focused on reviewing activities and setting up water surveillance efforts. The team engaged with local stakeholders to explore how disease surveillance data could inform future interventions.
As climate change alters the environment, the link between shifting climates and infectious diseases becomes clearer. Waterborne diarrheal diseases, once mostly limited to low- and middle-income countries, are now a growing threat in higher-income regions due to changing climate.
How do we prepare ourselves for the "new now"? The increased recurrence of heavy rain, flooding, and heat waves will give more work for everyone, especially cities.
As climate change accelerates, healthcare systems around the world are stepping up their game. By leveraging climate models, we're improving our ability to respond to extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and flooding—challenges that are only becoming more frequent.
In a significant milestone for the SPRINGS project, consortium members from 14 partner organisations from ten countries met in Naples, Italy, from April 16-18.
Diarrhoea is, globally, the third largest cause of death for children under 5. Climate change, driving increased flooding and droughts, threatens the fragile progress made in reducing the burden of diarrheal disease over the past decades.
