Short Abstract:

The panel explores the impacts of extreme weather on the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations in urban areas of the global South. We welcome papers addressing the nature of multiple health exposure, social vulnerabilities, adaptive capacities and policy interventions and effectiveness.

Long Abstract:

The panel explores the impacts of extreme weather on the health and broader wellbeing of vulnerable populations in urban areas of the global South. We invite papers on the nature of multiple health exposure, social vulnerabilities, adaptive capacities and policy interventions in lower and middle income countries (LMICs). Calls to advance climate action are increasingly placing an emphasis on the need for a health centred approach especially for vulnerable communities (e.g. migrants) and population groups (e.g. elderly). Emerging evidence shows climate change has multiple adverse effects on people such as heat-related illnesses, non-accidental deaths and injuries, loss of productivity, as well as increased risks from infectious and vector-borne diseases, and various mental health issues. Climate change is also placing additional burdens on health care systems in LMICs that are already poorly resourced and are often ill-equipped to respond. Papers presenting findings from transformative interdisciplinary research projects that address knowledge gaps and explore policy successes and failures in understanding climate change impacts on physical and mental health of vulnerable social groups in urban areas are particularly welcome.

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