Towards Improved Linkage of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Health: A Review

Nicola Banwell, Shannon Rutherford, Brendan Mackey and Cordia Chu
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Nicola Banwell: Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Shannon Rutherford: Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
Brendan Mackey: Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Griffith University, Gold Coast City 4222, Australia
Cordia Chu: Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-18

Abstract: Climate change and climate-sensitive disasters significantly impact health. Linking Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) is essential for addressing these ever present, complex and increasing risks. Recent calls have been made to build these links in health. However, there is a need to clearly articulate why linking DRR and CCA is important in health. Furthermore, little is known about how DRR and CCA should be linked in health. By extensively examining relevant literature, this review presents the current state of knowledge of linking DRR and CCA in health. This includes the potential for maximising conceptual synergies such as building resilience, and reducing vulnerability and risk. Additionally, technical and operational synergies are identified to link DRR and CCA in health, including: policy, Early Warning Systems, vulnerability and risk assessment, health systems strengthening, infrastructure resilience, disaster preparedness and response, and health impact pathways. Public health actors have a central role in building these links due to their expertise, work functions, and experience in addressing complex health risks. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, including how to better link DRR and CCA in health; and the opportunities, challenges and enablers to build and sustain these links.

Keywords: disaster; health; climate change; disaster risk reduction; climate change adaptation; integration; synergy; linking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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