Prof Caradee Y. Wright
Chief Specialist Scientist
Climate and Health Research Programme, Environment and Health Research Unit
Professor Caradee Y. Wright is a Chief Specialist Scientist at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) where she leads the Climate and Health Research Programme within the Environment and Health Research Unit. She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Pretoria. Her research focuses on environmental health epidemiology, particularly the impacts of climate change, extreme heat, and air pollution on human health and well-being in Africa. Prof Wright’s work aims to generate evidence that supports adaptation strategies, public health interventions, and policy development to protect vulnerable populations. She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and has contributed to several international scientific assessments. Prof Wright served as a contributing author to the Africa chapter of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and as a Chapter Lead Author for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) African Assessment on Climate Change and Human Health. She has also served on the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines Committee and continues to advise global organisations on climate and health. Through her work at the SAMRC, she leads collaborative research and capacity-building initiatives that strengthen climate-health science and support evidence-based policy across Africa.
| "Climate change is already affecting the health of people across Africa. Our research at the SAMRC aims to generate the evidence needed to protect communities, strengthen health systems, and support climate-resilient futures". |
| What inspired your career in climate and health research? |
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I have always been interested in how the environment influences human health. Over time it became clear that climate change would become one of the greatest health challenges of our time, particularly in Africa where many communities are highly vulnerable. This motivated me to focus my research on understanding how heat, air pollution, and other environmental exposures affect health, and how we can develop practical solutions to protect people.
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| Why is climate and health research important for South Africa? |
| South Africa faces increasing risks from extreme heat, floods, air pollution, and other climate-related hazards. These exposures can worsen existing health burdens and place additional strain on already stretched health systems. Climate and health research helps us understand these risks and provides the evidence needed for effective adaptation strategies, early warning systems, and policies that safeguard public health. |
