Climate Change and Health: From Science to Action

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEALTH: FROM SCIENCE TO ACTION

BACKGROUND

Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges, impacting not only ecosystems and economies but also human health and well-being. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, air pollution, and changing disease patterns pose significant threats to public health worldwide. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those in low-income communities, face the highest risks from climate-related health issues.

The Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute recognizes the urgent need to build scientific knowledge, policy frameworks, and practical interventions to address the health impacts of climate change. This course, Climate Change and Health: From Science to Action, is designed to equip health professionals, policymakers, environmental specialists, and development practitioners with the tools and knowledge to understand, mitigate, and adapt to the health effects of climate change.

This training provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to climate change and health, covering topics such as climate-sensitive diseases, air pollution, extreme heat impacts, food and water security, mental health, and disaster preparedness. It also focuses on the development of policies and adaptation strategies that promote resilient health systems.

By integrating scientific research, case studies, and practical applications, the course enables participants to transition from understanding climate change’s impact on health to taking meaningful action. It empowers professionals to design effective interventions, strengthen public health systems, and advocate for climate resilience in healthcare and environmental policies.

OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the links between climate change and public health, equipping them with scientific knowledge, policy tools, and practical solutions to mitigate health risks and enhance resilience. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the science of climate change and its direct and indirect effects on human health.
2. Identify key health risks associated with rising temperatures, extreme weather events, air pollution, waterborne diseases, and food security.
3. Analyze the vulnerability of populations to climate-related health impacts, particularly in low-income and high-risk regions.
4. Develop adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect public health and strengthen healthcare systems.
5. Integrate climate change considerations into health policies at national, regional, and local levels.
6. Explore financing mechanisms for climate and health interventions, including international climate funds.
7. Enhance intersectoral collaboration by engaging public health officials, policymakers, and climate experts.
8. Use monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to assess the effectiveness of climate-health programs.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Participants will gain scientific knowledge, policy insights, and practical skills to address the health challenges posed by climate change. Key learning areas include:

• Understanding how climate change impacts infectious diseases, air quality, nutrition, and mental health.
• Examining the impact of heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms on public health.
• Identifying high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and marginalized communities.
• Reducing emissions, improving air quality, and strengthening food and water security.
• Enhancing resilience in healthcare infrastructure, emergency response, and disease surveillance.
• Mainstreaming climate adaptation into national health strategies and public health programs.
• Accessing funding from international climate mechanisms to support health interventions.
• Learning from successful global and regional climate-health programs.

DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is designed for professionals working at the intersection of climate change, public health, and environmental sustainability. It is particularly beneficial for health professionals, epidemiologists, and public health officials who need to understand the impacts of climate change on disease patterns, air quality, water safety, and overall community health. Government policymakers, urban planners, and environmental regulators will gain critical insights into integrating climate-health considerations into national and local policies, ensuring resilient healthcare systems. Climate scientists, environmental specialists, and researchers will find value in linking climate data with health risk assessments to support evidence-based decision-making.

Additionally, the course is valuable for NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and international development agencies engaged in climate adaptation and public health programs. Academics, researchers, and students in the fields of public health, environmental science, and sustainable development will gain a deeper understanding of climate-health interactions and research methodologies. It is also relevant for private sector stakeholders, including those in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and sustainability initiatives, helping them align their strategies with climate resilience goals. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, the course fosters collaborative action to protect human health in the face of climate change.

TRAINING MODULES

This course is structured into eight key modules, each covering essential aspects of the relationship between climate change and public health. The modules integrate scientific research, policy analysis, and practical applications to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate and adapt to climate-related health risks.

No	Module	Details
	Foundations of Climate Change and Public Health	Understanding the science of climate change and its impact on health. Global and regional trends in climate-related health risks. The role of environmental factors in shaping disease patterns. Identifying vulnerable populations and health disparities. International frameworks and agreements on climate and health.
	Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases	The impact of climate change on vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue, Zika). Waterborne diseases and sanitation challenges in a changing climate. Airborne diseases and the role of climate variability. Case studies on climate-induced disease outbreaks. Strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems.
	Non-Communicable Diseases and Climate Change	Air pollution and its links to respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD). Heat stress and cardiovascular health risks. Mental health impacts of climate change (eco-anxiety, PTSD, depression). Nutrition-related disorders and food security challenges. Strategies for reducing non-communicable disease risks in a changing climate.
	Extreme Weather Events and Health System Resilience	Health consequences of heatwaves, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. Emergency response and disaster preparedness for climate-related crises. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure for climate resilience. Psychological and mental health support for disaster-affected populations. Role of technology and data-driven approaches in climate health adaptation.
	Water, Food Security, and Public Health	Climate change and its impact on global and local food production. Water scarcity, contamination, and their public health implications. Sustainable agricultural practices for ensuring food security. Malnutrition, food safety, and the role of climate adaptation. Public health policies for addressing food and water security challenges.
	Urbanization, Air Pollution, and Environmental Health	Urban heat islands and their impact on public health. Air pollution and its contribution to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Climate-smart urban planning and green infrastructure for healthier cities. Indoor air quality and its effects on human health. Strategies for reducing pollution-related health risks in urban areas.
	Policy, Governance, and Advocacy in Climate-Health Action	Integrating climate considerations into public health policies. Strengthening health systems for climate resilience. Role of advocacy in driving climate-health policies. Public-private partnerships in climate and health initiatives. International financing mechanisms for climate-health adaptation programs.
	Case Studies, Best Practices, and Practical Applications	Real-world examples of climate-health adaptation strategies. Developing action plans for climate-resilient healthcare. Community-led solutions to climate and health challenges. Scenario-based exercises on climate health crisis management. Final presentations, group discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

TRAINING STYLE

This course uses a blended learning approach, combining scientific knowledge, policy frameworks, and practical applications to equip participants with the necessary skills to address climate-related health challenges.

Participants will engage in interactive lectures and expert presentations, where facilitators break down complex climate-health relationships into clear and actionable insights. Group discussions and case study analyses will allow participants to learn from real-world examples of successful climate-health interventions.

Hands-on workshops and simulation exercises will help participants develop climate adaptation and mitigation strategies tailored to their national and sectoral contexts. Role-playing activities will enhance their ability to engage with stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

Additionally, the course will incorporate peer learning and experience-sharing sessions, fostering collaboration among participants from different regions and professional backgrounds. By the end of the course, participants will have practical tools, frameworks, and actionable strategies to integrate climate considerations into public health policies and programs effectively.

9. GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.