Why It Matters

Climate change affects the social and environmental determinants of health: safe drinking water, clean air, nutritious food, and secure shelter. According to the World Health Organization, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030-2050. Direct health care costs (excluding costs to the agriculture, water and sanitation sectors), are estimated to be between $2-4 billion USD per year by 2030. Climate change affects us unequally; it is anticipated that areas and countries with limited health infrastructure will be the least able to manage and respond to climate change-associated health risks.

Uniting Experts Across Duke

Climate Data Expeditions: Climate and Health intends to consolidate Duke expertise to improve health by drawing on data to inform problem definition and design of solutions. Because health impacts of climate change are mediated by interrelated environmental conditions, environmental exposures, and a host of social and behavioral factors, research funding will be awarded to transdisciplinary teams. How will we accomplish this?