The Double Burden: Climate Change Challenges for Health Systems

Abstract

Climate change presents significant challenges to human health and health systems, and there is a critical need for health systems to adapt and become more resilient in order to effectively mediate the impacts of climate change on population health. This paper analyzes existing academic literature to identify key themes, trends, and research gaps at the intersection of climate change and health systems. Utilizing a scoping review of 179 studies, we explore how health systems can enhance their resilience through effective governance, sustainable financing, resource generation, and adaptive service delivery. Our findings emphasize the importance of integrating climate considerations into health system governance, mobilizing innovative financial resources, and adapting infrastructure and workforce capacities to address climate-related health challenges. The study highlights the need for continued interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to ensure health systems are equipped to promote equity and protect vulnerable populations in the face of climate change. These insights contribute to the development of climate-resilient health systems and identify crucial areas for future research.