South and Southeast Asia Climate and Health Responders Course

Description: This session will cover the greenhouse effect, explaining its mechanism and how human activities, especially fossil fuel combustion, intensify this natural phenomenon. We will differentiate between climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. The session will also address the impacts of climate change on the region and provide a snapshot of some countries, focusing on issues like glacier melting and its impacts on health. We will explore the health impacts of climate change, the health sector's role in contributing to and combating climate change. Finally, the session will explore how climate change disproportionately impacts socioeconomically, racially, and ethnically marginalized communities in South and Southeast Asia, leading to disparate health outcomes and the urgency of trans-sectoral solutions in addressing these challenges. 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the general mechanism of the greenhouse effect and describe how human activities, mainly combustion of fossil fuels, are exacerbating this natural phenomenon. 

• Distinguish between climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience

• Identify the key impacts of climate change on health in the region and some countries. 

• Explain the main health impacts of climate change, how the health sector contributes to climate change and environmental degradation.

• Identify the ways in which climate change preferentially impacts socioeconomically, racially, or ethnically marginalized communities locally and globally.

• Understanding that the voice of health professionals in advocacy and policy is essential to addressing the climate and health crisis. 

Description: This session will provide a comprehensive exploration of the pathways through which climate change affects air quality in South and  Southeast Asia including changes to ozone, PM2.5, toxic smog, and other respiratory irritant. It will also explore the effects of changing weather on the occurrence of wildfires and stubble burning. Participants will learn how these pollutants impact populations vulnerable to degraded air quality, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and pre-existing health conditions. Participants will gain insights into public health measures to protect vulnerable populations and explore strategies for community-based interventions.  Furthermore, the session will delve into the near-term health co-benefits of climate mitigation efforts, including improved air quality, at the individual, local, and global scales. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will gain insights into examples of successful mitigation strategies, highlighting the potential for positive health outcomes associated with climate action.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the pathways through which climate change relates to and exacerbate air pollution in South and Southeast Asia, such as increasing ozone in stratosphere and decreasing it at ground level, PM2.5, toxic smog, and other ambient respiratory irritants,  as well as the interaction of temperature with wildfires, stubble burning.

• Describe how these pollutants impact climate-sensitive respiratory diseases such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular, pregnancy and birth outcomes, and allergic diseases.

• Identify the sources and impacts of national and transboundary haze pollution, and develop effective mitigation strategies at both local and regional levels to reduce air pollution and protect public health. 

• Describe the effect of climate change in causing temperature inversion leading to toxic smog in winter months of a number of countries in the region  Describe the mitigation strategies to address the challenge of smog and associated diseases.  

• Identify populations that are vulnerable to degraded air quality. 

• Describe how health professionals can protect these vulnerable patients, and teach about risk mitigation, such as limiting outside work and recreation during poor air quality days. 

• Describe the near-term health co-benefits, such as improved air quality, resulting from climate mitigation efforts at both national and transboundary scales.

Description:  This session focuses on current and projected changes to temperature and the increasing risks of extreme heat events in South and Southeast Asia. We will delve into the concept of "heat-sensitive" health conditions and explore how heat impacts the pathophysiology of various diseases, including cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, neurologic, mental health, and maternal conditions, while identifying medical diagnoses and other health determinants that render patients more vulnerable to heat-related illness. We will explore the role of heat early warning systems and other preventive measures in averting negative health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of proactive strategies in mitigating heat-related health risks. Through interactive discussions and case studies this session aims to equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, address, and prevent the health impacts of extreme heat events in communities. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify current and projected changes to temperature and risks of extreme heat events in Southeast Asia.

• Identify populations vulnerable to heat exposure, including outdoor workers, agricultural laborers, individuals experiencing homelessness, marginalized communities, older adults, pregnant individuals, and children.

• Define “heat sensitive” health conditions and cite examples of ways in which heat impacts the pathophysiology of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, neurologic, and maternal diseases and pregnancy outcomes.

• Identify medical diagnoses, medications, and other health determinants that make patients more vulnerable to climate-related health threats  and steps that health professionals can take to reduce risks

• Explore the role of heat early warning systems and other measures in preventing negative health outcomes

Description: This session provides a comprehensive exploration of the environmental processes changing as a result of climate change and their impact on the prevalence, incidence, and distribution of vector-borne diseases including Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Zika.  Through case studies we will explore actionable steps that health professionals can take to identify and protect patients vulnerable to these diseases through targeted interventions, including early warning systems, and community-based, interdisciplinary approaches to disease prevention and control in a changing climate.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the environmental processes changing as a result of climate change and how they impact the prevalence, incidence, and distribution of vector-borne disease.

• For the following diseases, describe how climate change is influencing their distribution: Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Zika, Malaria. Effects of deforestation/bushfires/climate change bringing forest habitat in closer proximity to humans.

• Explore what actions health professionals can take to identify and protect patients vulnerable to these diseases.

• Define steps the health sector can take to become prepared to address shifting geographic burdens of vector-borne diseases, including increasing surveillance and early-warning systems and broader interdisciplinary coordination.

Description: This session explores the connections between climate extremes, agriculture, AND food security in South and Southeast Asia. Participants will examine how climate change-induced shifts in temperature and precipitation threaten agricultural productivity, and food security, all of which are critical to public health. Additionally, participants will learn about forecasting tools that use climate models to predict food insecurity, identify vulnerable regions, and enable proactive interventions. Case studies and discussions will highlight strategies to enhance food security, including drought-resistant, heat-resistant and salt-tolerant crops, sustainable agriculture, water conservation techniques, and community-based adaptation initiatives.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how extremes of temperature , droughts and precipitation are affecting food security and nutrition in South and Southeast Asia. 

• Explore mechanism for forecasting food insecurity using climate models.

• Examine strategies to enhance food security in the context of a changing climate, focusing on sustainable practices that increase agricultural resilience. Additionally, evaluate the associated risks, such as the potential for increased reliance on agrochemicals and the expansion of farmland through deforestation, and their implications for environmental health and human well-being.

• Explain how climate change affects all four dimensions of food security: availability, stability, access, and utilization. 

• Describe the relationship between agriculture (food, animal, plant) and GHG emissions, and the co-benefits of improved diets for mitigating climate change and addressing malnutrition.

Description: This session explores the growing risks of extreme weather events—such as cyclones, typhoons, glacier melting, inland and coastal flooding—alongside the increasing threats of water illnesses due to climate change. Participants will examine how climate change disrupts the hydrosphere, altering water availability, quality, and supply, and increasing the prevalence of waterborne pathogens.

We will discuss short- and long-term health threats faced by vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, marginalized communities, and those with pre-existing conditions. The session will highlight the roles of disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, public health communication, and regional cooperation in mitigating these impacts. Case studies and discussions will provide practical strategies for health professionals to respond effectively and advocate for adaptation measures that reduce health risks.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how climate change intensifies extreme weather events (cyclones, typhoons, glacier melting, and flooding) and disrupts the hydrological cycle, affecting water availability and quality.

• Identify short- and long-term health risks from extreme weather events, water scarcity, and water contamination, and outline health professionals' roles in reducing these risks.

• Understand how biological, social, economic, and structural factors tcan heighten vulnerability to extreme weather hazards and waterborne diseases, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.

• Identify the role of disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, public health communication, and regional cooperation in preventing health impacts and minimizing forced migration.

• Apply knowledge of climate impacts on waterborne pathogens—including  Leptospirosis, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, Norovirus, and Vibrio cholerae—to improve disease prevention and response strategies. 

Description: This session delves into the profound impact of climate change on the incidence and prevalence of stress disorders, depression, anxiety, suicide, domestic abuse, violence, aggression, and substance abuse as a consequence of fast and slow onset climate-related disasters. Through case studies and discussions, participants will gain insights into the complex interplay between environmental stressors and mental health outcomes. We will also examine the specific mental health challenges faced by "climate refugees" or individuals displaced from their homes or livelihoods due to climate-related environmental changes such as drought, sea-level rise, wildfires, or hurricanes, with a focus on recent examples from the South and Southeast Asia.  Through interactive discussions and case studies, we will explore the role of resilience-building interventions, community-based support systems, and mental health services in promoting psychological well-being in the face of environmental challenges.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss how natural disasters resulting from climate change impact the mental health of a population, specifically in regard to the incidence and prevalence of stress disorders, depression, domestic abuse, violence and aggression, and substance abuse.

• Explore the impact on the mental health of “climate refugees” or those that have been displaced from their home or livelihood from climate related environmental changes such as drought, sea level rise, wildfires, cyclones and typhoons.  Cite and explore recent examples from Southeast Asia.

• Describe what can be done to mitigate the population mental health consequences of climate change.

• Explore the unequal burden of climate related mental health disorders and discuss strategies for targeted interventions in vulnerable populations, including women and girls.

Description: This session will focus on building resilience and adaptability within health systems to address the challenges posed by climate change. Participants will learn how vulnerability assessments are used to identify risks and adaptive capacities at individual, community, and health system levels, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced by small and remote health systems. The session will also cover strategies to evaluate and mitigate risks to critical healthcare infrastructure, service delivery, and supply chains during extreme weather events and other climate-related impacts. Moreover, the session will emphasize the need for inter-agency collaboration in integrated surveillance to improve public health preparedness and response to climate-related health threats.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how vulnerability and adaptation assessments are used to understand individual, community and health system impacts and vulnerabilities, and utilizing knowledge of vulnerability and adaptive capacity to explore challenges faced by small and remote health systems.

• Identify how the risks and vulnerabilities to critical healthcare infrastructure, delivery, and supply chains from extreme weather events and other climate impacts can be inventoried.

• Explore the comprehensive scope of climate and health surveillance including health and non-health sector sources, infectious and non-infectious diseases, mortality surveillance, and environmental indices.

• Explain /understand the importance of collaboration on information sharing across Departments, Ministries and Agencies to support integrated/joined-up surveillance, and its benefits to the individual agencies.

Description: This session will explore the challenges and opportunities for delivering sustainable health services in the context of a changing climate. The session will highlight strategies for integrating sustainability into health service delivery, including the adoption of energy-efficient technologies, reducing healthcare-related carbon footprints, and enhancing resource efficiency. Participants will also discuss ways to ensure equitable access to healthcare services during climate-related disruptions, such as extreme weather events, while maintaining the quality of care. By addressing the dual goals of improving health outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability, this session aims to prepare health professionals to deliver resilient and climate-smart healthcare services.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the role of health systems and health professionals  in promoting both health outcomes and environmental sustainability and how the dual goals can contribute to more resilient healthcare delivery in the context of climate change. 

• Addressing the role of health systems in climate mitigation through optimisation of healthcare services and delivery; this spans the different components of health infrastructure, resource utilisation and strengthening the health workforce,besides facilitating inter-sectoral coordination for developing climate resilience and environmentally friendly healthcare facilities. 

• Explain the concept of sustainability in healthcare and identify strategies for integrating environmental sustainability into health service delivery, including energy-efficient technologies and reducing healthcare-related carbon footprints. 

• Understand the challenges and opportunities for ensuring equitable access to healthcare during climate-related disruptions such as extreme weather events and the long-term impacts of climate change, while maintaining the quality of care for vulnerable populations. 

• Describe the role of health professionals in advancing climate-smart healthcare practices to improve health outcomes while contributing to environmental sustainability goals.

Description: This session will explore the role of public health professionals and the wider health workforce in climate-health activism and engagement. The course will focus on different ways of communicating to a variety of audiences (community to organizational) to gain political commitment, policy support and social acceptance for climate action. Case studies will be used to highlight effective climate and health messages (including health co-benefits) and provide a range of opportunities for learners to get involved. 

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss climate and environmental justice concepts, including incorporating traditional knowledge and protecting vulnerable communities, and enhance ethical frameworks that address responsibilities to future generations and the environment.

• Apply effective communication skills with stakeholders about climate and health topics by defining the target audience, listening, and developing audience-appropriate messaging.

• Communicate and share information and responsibility effectively at different organizational levels to gain political commitment, policy support, and social acceptance for climate action.

• Explore the connection between climate change awareness and ecological anxiety, and use this understanding to empower individuals and communities to make climate-conscious changes. 

• Demonstrate how to enhance theories of collective and transgenerational ethics, which emphasize society's responsibilities to future generations and the environment, by integrating perspectives that focus on individual well-being, present-day concerns, human-centered ethics, justice, and traditional knowledge in the context of climate and health. 

Description: This session examines how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, women, children, socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, indigenous peoples, refugees, and those with chronic conditions. Participants will explore climate and environmental justice and ethical frameworks for equitable climate responses. Health professionals play a vital role in addressing these inequities through advocacy and effective communication. This session will provide tools to integrate health equity into climate action and strengthen participants’ ability to drive change in their communities and institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify social and environmental determinants of health that make individuals and communities more vulnerable to climate-related health threats (elderly, women, children, socioeconomically disadvantaged, homeless,  indigenous people, refuges, immunocompromised patients, patients with chronic medical conditions/ NCDs).

• Describe the concepts of climate justice and environmental justice.

• Demonstrate how to supplement theories of collective and transgenerational ethics, and ethical obligations to the natural world with more individual-oriented, present-oriented, and human-centered frameworks of climate and health ethics, justice, and traditional knowledges.

• The role of health professionals in communication.

The final exam will be available after this final session of the course.