Description
As our planet heats up due to climate change, outbreaks of zoonotic diseases – diseases that spread from animals to humans – are increasing and expanding to new parts of the world, in particular Europe. Warmer temperatures, more variable rainfall, and the loss of biodiversity influence the survival and spread of zoonotic pathogens, and the reproduction and geographic location of their vectors, such as mosquitoes or ticks. Past and recent health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown there is a need for stronger and more inclusive preparedness and responsiveness to epidemic-prone pathogens at the EU and global level.
IDAlert’s approach expands the IPCC’s framework of hazard, exposure, vulnerability and risk by including the One Health triangle of animals, humans and the environment, allowing to contribute significantly to research at the intersection of One Health, EcoHealth, infectious diseases, and climate change.
IDAlert will develop a systematic way to collect, analyse and communicate information about the direct and indirect effects of climate change at the human–animal–environment interface by:
- developing indicators to track past present and future impacts of climate change and transformation policy
- providing innovative tools and early warning systems that integrate the environment
- social and animal domains and adhere to the IPCC frameworks of climate change impacts and adaptation needs
A participatory approach
A participatory approach, through iterative engagement, co-design, exchange processes and workshops, is at the heart of the project. This will guide the research and ensure outputs address and respond to actual needs.
IDAlert will work with stakeholders at European, regional, and local levels, including citizens, policy makers from the health sectors (human and animal), climate policy stakeholders, and landscape designers. They will be proactively engaged with in the project implementation using a co-design, co-production and co-dissemination process.
Objectives
IDAlert will develop and improve existing tools, generate new knowledge, and produce capacity building materials to tackle the emergence and transmission of pathogens and enhance evidence-based decision-making.
Tools
- Develop innovative indicators and monitoring mechanisms to assess the health-relevant outcomes of climate policies and actions
- Develop predictive models and early warning systems for exposure and health impacts of climate change
- Develop tools for health impact and cost-benefit assessment of climate-change adaptation and mitigation measures
Data
- Investigate health co-benefits and unintended consequences of climate adaptation and mitigation policies
- Identify the societal implications of climate change on health systems, including occupational health, and development of adaptation measures
Training
- Develop training materials and guidelines to educate relevant actors in citizens’ daily life on climate change health impacts and to facilitate adaptation of health systems and practices
Find out more: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101057554
About the consortium
The consortium is coordinated by Umea University and co-cordinated by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center- Centro Nacional de Supercomputacion (BSC) and involves 20 organisations from Sweden, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, The Netherlands, Italy, UK, and Bangladesh.
