Climate services for health: improving public health decision-making in a new climate
As the world’s climate changes, hazards to human health are increasing. Droughts, floods and cyclones affect the health of millions of people each year. There is also a close relationship between climate and diseases such as diarrhea, malaria, meningitis and respiratory ailments, which cause death and suffering for many millions more. Fortunately, scientific advances have increased the range and accuracy of climate services that can be effectively used to protect public health from extreme weather and climate. These are showcased in a new collection of case studies from the World Meteorological Organization and World Health Organization Joint Office on Climate and Health. The Climate Services for Health Case Study Project profiles over 40 examples of tailored climate services used to manage health risks. It summarizes benefits and lessons learnt, presents a common framework for developing health tailored climate services, and shares good practices which can strengthen collaboration between the weather and climate community and the public health sector.