Search Climate Insights Directory

The document outlines the physical and mental health risks posed by climate change, such as increased heat-related deaths, air pollution, and the spread of insect-borne diseases like Lyme Disease in Canada. It cites the World Health Organization's view of climate change as the 21st century's greatest health challenge and echoes the IPCC's call to cut emissions by 45% by 2030. The text also details global impacts, including lethal heat waves and economic losses from extreme weather, and provides a list of advocacy actions for health professionals and the public to influence Canadian federal policy.

The document details how climate change exacerbates health risks in Canada, including heat-related illnesses, air pollution, mental health issues, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. It highlights that extreme weather events threaten critical infrastructure and food and water security, while citing the World Health Organization's view of climate change as the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century.

The document details how climate change increases health risks through heatwaves, air pollution, extreme weather, and vector-borne diseases, while threatening mental health, food security, and water access in Canada.

The analysis finds that the July 2019 heat wave in Western Europe was made significantly more likely and more intense by human-induced climate change. In France and the Netherlands, the event would have been extremely unlikely without human influence, with return periods increasing by at least 10 times (and up to a hundred times). In the U.K. and Germany, the likelihood of such an event is estimated to be about 10 times higher (at least 3 times) due to climate change. Across all studied locations, temperatures would have been 1.5 to 3 ºC cooler in an unchanged climate.

The document is a letter to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs advocating for a robust reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The authors argue that reforms must be based on the latest science and lessons from catastrophic flooding to ensure the program's long-term viability. They highlight critical gaps in the House bill H.R. 3167, including the need for better management of repetitive loss properties, risk-based rate phasing, and affordability protections for low-income households. Additionally, the letter calls for the resolution of FEMA's $20.5 billion debt to the US Treasury and the implementation of a private insurance fee to support flood risk management functions.

The 'Gangavazi' project, a collaboration between the University of Exeter and the NGO S.A.F.E., used forum theatre in ten coastal Kenyan communities to address extreme weather impacts. By allowing community members to co-direct and change the outcome of a play based on their own experiences, the project shifted the focus from purely physical climate solutions to social resilience, such as girls' education and social cohesion. While some community-led initiatives like mangrove planting have successfully restored fish species, the document notes that these projects require further support to become self-sustainable and long-term.

Jordan launched its National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process in February 2017, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment's Climate Change Directorate. The process aims to create a formal roadmap for sectoral adaptation plans, identify financial needs, and establish a national monitoring and reporting system. Priority sectors for adaptation include water, agriculture, health, gender, biodiversity, ecosystems, and protected areas, with a focus on addressing impacts such as severe water shortages, desertification, and extreme weather events.

The document examines corporate reporting on climate-related financial risks and opportunities based on 2018 CDP questionnaire data, noting increased scrutiny from investors and regulators following extreme weather losses and technological shifts.

The April 2019 'Climate Change in the American Mind' report reveals that 69% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 55% attributing it primarily to human activities. While 62% express worry about the issue and 60% believe it is affecting U.S. weather, social engagement remains low, as 63% rarely or never discuss it with family and friends. The report also highlights a significant gap in understanding scientific consensus, with only 17% aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming.

The April 2019 survey reveals that 69% of Americans believe global warming is happening, with 55% attributing it primarily to human activities. While 62% express worry and 64% consider the issue personally important, social engagement remains low, as 63% rarely or never discuss it with family and friends. Public perception of risk is highest for future generations (69%) and plant/animal species (71%), while 38% believe people in the U.S. are being harmed 'right now.' The report also highlights a gap in scientific literacy, with only 17% aware that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming. Americans primarily conceptualize global warming as an environmental (75%) and scientific (69%) issue, and 60% believe it is currently affecting U.S. weather.

Sierra Leone is developing its first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) framework to coordinate institutional adaptation, mobilize resources, and reduce vulnerability to climate change. The process identifies agriculture, biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism as priority sectors for adaptation. Key observed and anticipated climate impacts include coastal erosion, sea-level rise, mangrove destruction, saline water intrusion in aquifers, seaweed invasion, landslides, flooding, and extreme weather events. The document also maps the evolution of the country's climate policy milestones from the 2007 National Climate Change Strategy and Action plan to the 2019 finalization of the NAP Framework.

The Town of Canmore utilized the Climate Resilience Express tool to identify climate risks and prioritize adaptation actions following 2013 flooding. This process resulted in a Climate Resilience Action Plan that integrates adaptation priorities into municipal budget cycles and includes a flood risk assessment of the Bow River.

The review of 30 local plans in Manitoba reveals a significant gap in explicit climate change adaptation planning. Only seven plans explicitly considered adaptation, with the majority of documents failing to reference specific climate projections or establish dedicated adaptation actions. While flood risks are universally acknowledged, drought and other climate-related hazards receive minimal attention. The report recommends that the Province of Manitoba integrate adaptation considerations into planning templates and collaborate with climate service centres to provide municipalities with local projection data.

The document serves as a practitioner's guide for communicating climate change in developing nations. It emphasizes moving away from scientific jargon toward narratives that highlight the benefits of climate-compatible development, particularly for the poor. The guide outlines strategies for targeting diverse audiences—including governments, businesses, and the general public—and advocates for the use of 'demonstration effects' and data visualization to make climate risks tangible. It includes numerous case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America illustrating successful interventions such as participatory mapping, community radio, and the use of 'stranded assets' as a policy framework.

A 2019 survey of 2,208 registered U.S. voters reveals broad support for government action on climate change, with 70% of respondents favoring such measures. A majority of voters support a national renewable portfolio standard requiring 100% renewable electricity by 2050 and prioritize infrastructure resilience against extreme weather. The data indicates that climate change is a top-tier issue for Democratic voters and that a majority believe transitioning away from fossil fuels will positively impact the economy and jobs.

Voters in six key U.S. swing states show strong support for policies that reduce fossil fuel emissions and expand renewable energy, with many indicating they are more likely to support political candidates who champion these initiatives. The report finds that climate change is a salient issue, particularly among Democratic-leaning voters, and that a majority of voters in these states recognize a link between climate change and worsening extreme weather. There is broad preference for prioritizing wind and solar energy over natural gas or nuclear power to meet state energy needs, and voters generally believe that transitioning to renewables will benefit their local economies and public health.

A 2019 survey of 519 registered Iowa voters reveals strong support for government action on climate change, including a 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2050 and increased funding for wind and solar energy. Voters perceive climate change as negatively impacting Iowa's agriculture, extreme weather, and economy, and they generally prefer candidates who support climate-focused policies and resilient infrastructure.

A 2019 survey of Michigan voters reveals significant concern over climate change and infrastructure, with strong support for a transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050 and the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure. The findings indicate that climate change is a top-tier priority for Democratic voters in the state and that a majority of voters would be more likely to support political candidates who champion renewable energy funding and carbon taxes.

The December 2018 report 'Climate Change in the American Mind' reveals a continued upward trend in American concern about global warming. Key findings include that 73% of Americans believe global warming is happening, 62% attribute it primarily to human activities, and 69% express worry about the issue. The report also notes that 46% of respondents claim to have personally experienced the effects of global warming and 48% believe people in the U.S. are being harmed 'right now.' While a majority are interested in the topic, social norms for taking action remain weak, with fewer than half perceiving an expectation from family and friends to act.

The report documents an upward trend in American concern about global warming, with 73% believing it is happening and 69% feeling at least somewhat worried. While 62% recognize it as mostly human-caused and 57% acknowledge scientific consensus, only 20% understand that over 90% of climate scientists agree on human-caused warming. Personal experience of effects has risen to 46%, and 48% believe people in the U.S. are being harmed 'right now'. Despite these trends, fewer than half of Americans perceive social norms encouraging action, and 59% rarely or never discuss the issue with family and friends.