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Estimating the health impacts among communities living in proximity to coal-fired power stations in South Africa

Executive Summary

Residents living in proximity to coal-fired power stations (CFPSs) and neighbouring communities are at risk of poor health outcomes and premature deaths associated to air pollution exposure from these CFPSs together with other air pollution sources. However, many of the studies conducted around the world on the health impacts of CFPSs are relatively old and present varying estimates of the magnitude of these health impacts.

Energy, Climate and Health: Global Climate Justice and the Future of Air Quality Co-Benefits

Noah Scovronick is a Rollins Distinguished Associate Professor at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, GA, USA. Dr. Scovronick directs Emory’s MPH Certificate in Climate and Health and is Deputy Director of Emory’s federally funded Climate and Health Actionable Research and Translation Center (CHART). He works on a range of topics related to climate change, including epidemiological studies of climate-sensitive health risks, the quantification of the health impacts of climate mitigation policies, and issues around exposure to hazardous substances.

From Science to Action: Climate change communication lessons from theory and practice

For those who witness the effects of climate change every day, it can be frustrating to see how little others seem to care. The planet is in crisis, yet for many, it’s business as usual. If communicating about climate change feels daunting, you’re not alone.

Use of Urban Greening as a Heat-Adaptive Tool

Arnab K. Ghosh is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University. His research program focuses on climate change and health, and development of interventions to protect vulnerable populations against climate-amplified threats. He received his undergraduate medical degree and graduate degree in development studies at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and graduate degrees in health policy, and clinical/translational sciences at Cornell University.

Estimating the health impacts from living in district municipalities with and without coal-fired power stations in South Africa

Air pollution is not only impacting the environment, but also the health of people. Recently, the South African Medical Research Council’s Climate Change and Health Research Programme conducted a first of its kind study assessing the health impacts faced by individuals living in district municipalities with coal-fired power stations.

Webinar: Climate change and human health: evidence and challenges

A substantial body of scientific evidence supports the assertion that anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of ongoing global climate change. This warming trend is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and storms. These events have been linked to a variety of adverse health outcomes. In this talk, Prof. Kan presents the scientific evidence supporting this link and discuss future research directions in this field.

Heat Exposure and Health Risks in the Minibus taxi Sector

How does extreme heat impact taxi drivers’ & passengers’ health?

Join us in exploring the results from two groundbreaking studies with the City of Tshwane and Durban’s Chesterville Taxi Association.

Heat Exposure and Health Risks in the Minibus Taxi Sector in Durban

Exposure to high temperatures is associated with increased risk of dehydration, heat-stroke, exacerbation of existing chronic conditions and in extreme cases, death. Vulnerability to health impacts of heat is influenced by factors that include occupation and the immediate environment. This study investigated how heat inside taxis and taxi ranks impacts the health of taxi drivers to provide evidence to  influence policy amendments and build partnerships and coordination across all stakeholders to mitigate against heat-related health risks.

Webinar: The Heat-Health Nexus in South Africa: From Risk to Action

Bradley is a Disaster and Climate Risk Specialist at the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) based in Johannesburg, South Africa. A climate scientist by training, Bradley specialises in understanding the interplay between society and the environment, with a focus on how climate change impacts the most vulnerable and marginalised populations. In his role at the GFDRR, Bradley leads collaborative initiatives to tackle climate-related challenges, particularly within South African cities.

Webinar: Wellcome’s climate and health research programme

Dr Rachel Huxley is Head of Mitigation for Climate and Health at the Wellcome Trust. She joined Wellcome Trust in August 2023 to lead the research programme which supports science and evidence generation of the health co-benefits of mitigation in order to drive low-carbon, health positive policy and action.

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