Green GP Horizon 2020 - participant

Planned EU project The link between health and climate change A growing body of evidence shows that the health of humanity is intrinsically linked to the health of the environment. Climate change affects the health of people in Europe through warming temperatures and changing weather patterns. More intense and frequent extreme events and changes in air, water and food availability, ecosystems, agriculture, livelihoods and infrastructure affect human health and well-being. Furthermore, climate change contributes to economic inequality, promotes poverty, and increase health inequalities in communities. Challenges for health will increase in the future and exacerbate existing environmental health exposures and risks. Some population groups are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of climate change, whether because of existing socioeconomic inequalities, cultural norms, physical health or intrinsic physiological factors. These groups include women, young children and older people, people with existing health problems or disabilities, and poor and marginalised communities. These groups tend to have poorer health and have higher demand of health care services. By focusing on these vulnerable groups, health inequalities may be minimized.