The fourth webinar in the series was held on April 25, 2022, with six experts enlightening us on the targeted health risks in their countries, with an emphasis on mitigation measures and preparedness on how health systems can cope with these unforeseen changes in a changing climate to bridge this gap in South Asia and ensure good health and well-being. 

  • Insights were provided on India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health
  • The need for Generating awareness, Capacity building, Strengthening the health sector preparedness, Building Collaborative Partnerships, and Encouraging Research and development was highlighted. 
  • There is a need for a collaborative effort at both the community and institutional levels to achieve good health and well-being in a changing climate. 
  • Nutritional insecurity should be addressed, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Educating the public on diet and crop diversity is recommended. 
  • Natural disasters, sea-level rise, and other factors are intensifying, putting coastal communities at risk. Infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more prevalent, placing the health and well-being of coastal communities at risk. There is a growing need to make coastal communities more resilient.
  • With a rise in temperature, urban heat islands are increasing, making urban populations vulnerable to health effects such as heat stroke, heat stress, and so on. Green space expansion in cities, as well as a change in population lifestyle, are both recommended.
  • The public health risks posed by climate change must be brought to the attention of health professionals and the same should be incorporated into the medical curriculum. Investing in health is critical, as is incorporating health and equity into all policy planning.