An Assessment of Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation in Dominica

Rebekka Schnitter, Marielle Verret, Peter Berry, Tanya Chung Tiam Fook, Simon Hales, Aparna Lal and Sally Edwards
Additional contact information
Rebekka Schnitter: Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0P8, Canada
Marielle Verret: Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0P8, Canada
Peter Berry: Climate Change and Innovation Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0P8, Canada
Tanya Chung Tiam Fook: Faculty of Environmental Studies and Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
Simon Hales: Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Newtown, Wellington 6242, New Zealand
Aparna Lal: Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra 2600, Australia
Sally Edwards: Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC 20037, USA

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: A climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessment was conducted in Dominica, a Caribbean small island developing state located in the Lesser Antilles. The assessment revealed that the country’s population is already experiencing many impacts on health and health systems from climate variability and change. Infectious diseases as well as food and waterborne diseases pose continued threats as climate change may exacerbate the related health risks. Threats to food security were also identified, with particular concern for food production systems. The findings of the assessment included near-term and long-term adaptation options that can inform actions of health sector decision-makers in addressing health vulnerabilities and building resilience to climate change. Key challenges include the need for enhanced financial and human resources to build awareness of key health risks and increase adaptive capacity. Other small island developing states interested in pursuing a vulnerability and adaptation assessment may find this assessment approach, key findings, analysis, and lessons learned useful.

Keywords: Dominica; climate change and health; vulnerability assessment; infectious diseases; food security; severe storm; health system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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