Climate Health Initiative (CHI)

Health and Climate are interconnected directly, through easily recognizable causality chains but also indirectly, through complex interactions more difficult to understand and address. Changes in vector spread zoonosis like malaria affecting now European populations, increase in mental health problems among young people because of fear for planetary health or changes in patterns of disease and need for health care provision due to displacement of populations and conflicts fueled by scarce water and food resources, are some of the health consequences of environment problems. In all cases, climate change exacerbates health risks, impacting vulnerable communities disproportionately.

Finding answers to understand and address these complex interactions must be grounded in broad interdisciplinary (several faculties) and transdisciplinary (several types of institutions) research and innovation initiatives. 

As a response to this challenge, the faculty of Medicine at the University of Bergen (UiB) together with the faculties of Psychology and Mathematics and Natural Sciences as well as the Bjerknes Centre and the Climate Agency (Klimaetaten) of the City of Bergen, have recently launched the Climate Health Initiative ensuring that we, together, approach timely and relevant challenges for Norway. We will stimulate research that develops knowledge about climate and health and how to prioritize solutions to provide better health for all in a sustainable way. 

Our aim is to facilitate collaboration within the members of the Initiative but also to coordinate efforts with other Norwegian and international actors working to understand and find solutions for global challenges related to Climate and Health.

Understanding the links between climate and health is crucial for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing this intersection, for example by addressing links between urban climate mitigation measures and public health, will foster resilience and contribute to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), promoting global sustainability. Several other SDGs, including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) are also closely related to the interaction of Climate and Health. 
 

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