Extreme Weather Events and Public Health Responses

The global climate is changing. The trend towards warmer average surface temperatures for the period since 1976 is roughly three times that of the past 100 years as a whole. In recent years warming seems to be attributable to human activities (man-made environmental changes) like land-use changes, deforestation, urbanisation and the reduction of wetlands. Global climate change is likely to be accompanied by an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This brings with it increased health risks and hence a demand for an adequate response from local health authorities to meet these risks. In 2004, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Environment Agency organized an expert meeting to exchange information and develop recommendations on public health and environmental responses to weather and climate extremes, floods, heat-waves and cold spells. This book reflects a collection of case studies and experiences of experts, ministries and international organizations.