Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Establishing long-term systems for monitoring the impacts of climate change on health in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Matthew Chersich

Project Abstract

Climate change is an underappreciated but major public health threat in Ireland, with precipitation, flooding, heatwaves and other extreme weather events increasing rapidly with climate change. The CHI study aims to evaluate, both current and future impacts of climate change on physical and mental health across the island of Ireland. We will establish sustainable end-to-end systems for long-term monitoring of impacts. The project will serve as a Centre of Excellence on climate change and health, providing a valuable resource for policy makers, health services and practitioners and civil society. We begin by harmonizing data on climate, socioeconomic and other vulnerabilities, and health outcome data, before quantifying climate change impacts on health. This sets the stage for informed interventions targeting high-risk exposures and vulnerable groups. Key components of the methodological framework include developing exposure metrics for temperature and extreme weather events and estimating the number of individuals in high-risk groups exposed to hazardous temperatures, through vulnerability mapping. The study draws on large datasets on mortality, hospital admissions, infectious diseases and skin cancer, with decades of data in some instances. Mental health impacts of climate change, such as anxiety, depression, eco-anxiety and eco-grief, will be tracked through repeated national surveys. Addressing both direct and indirect impacts of climate change, the study considers transboundary effects such as global food shocks, eco-migration and resource conflicts, which are crucial in understanding the full spectrum of climate change effects on health in Ireland. The study is interdisciplinary, involving experts from public health, climate science, climate change and health, epidemiology, data science, statistics, mental health and clinical medicine. This diverse team will conduct rigorous data analysis, and propose indicators for tracking climate change impacts. International collaboration with researchers and organizations outside Ireland will enhance the robustness and applicability of the findings. Expected outcomes include comprehensive data on the current and future impacts of climate change on health in Ireland, forming the basis for evidence-based decision-making tools for policy makers. Through these knowledge products, we aim to raise awareness among health workers, policy makers, and the public about the seriousness of climate change health challenges, fostering a proactive and informed response. Communication and dissemination are integral components of the CHI study. A project website and social media channels will facilitate ongoing communication and engagement with stakeholders. Interim and final reports will share findings with relevant audiences, and workshops and conferences will disseminate results and foster dialogue among various stakeholders. The project’s contributions to national and international climate and health discourse will help to position Ireland as a leader in impact tracking. The long-term vision is to establish a sustainable system for ongoing monitoring of the health impacts of climate change, with established pipelines in place, aiming for near real-time assessment. By guiding future strategies and action plans for climate change adaptation in the health sector, we aim to enhance Ireland’s capacity to address climate-related health challenges and position Ireland as a leader in the global climate-health discourse, contributing valuable insights and strategies applicable both nationally and internationally.

Grant Approved

610179.18

Research Hub

Delivering a Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Further Understanding the Health Impacts of a Changing Environment

Start Date

01/06/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/05/2028