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The report segments Marylanders into six climate change audiences: Alarmed, Concerned, Cautious, Disengaged, Doubtful, and Dismissive. In spring 2013, 62% of residents fell into the Alarmed (23%) and Concerned (39%) categories. The study finds high polarization regarding local environmental changes and health risks, while identifying broad support for renewable energy and the protection of public water supplies. It details the demographic and behavioral profiles of each segment to inform state climate and energy policy communication.

The 2014 Maryland statewide survey reveals that while a majority of residents support state action to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and general climate harms, there is significant uncertainty regarding whether sea level rise is currently occurring and what causes it. Preferred adaptation strategies include changes to zoning regulations and long-range planning. Residents identify hotter weather and severe storms as the most likely local climate impacts, with agriculture, public health, and coastlines viewed as the most at-risk resources.

The 2014 survey of Maryland residents indicates a strong public perception that climate change harms human health, particularly through respiratory issues and heat stroke. While medical professionals are highly trusted sources of information, residents perceive fossil fuels and nuclear power as health hazards, contrasting with a view of solar and wind energy as non-harmful. The report also notes an increase in concern regarding chemical exposure and pollution, and identifies health care access and environmental health as top state policy priorities.

The document is a formal letter from a broad coalition of international organizations opposing the inclusion of investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) in the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The authors argue that ISDS allows corporations to challenge non-discriminatory government policies in private tribunals, potentially forcing taxpayers to compensate companies for implementing public health, environmental, and labor regulations. They cite examples of ISDS being used to attack clean energy and toxic waste regulations, and argue that the domestic court systems of the US and EU are sufficient for handling investment disputes.

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), on behalf of several environmental organizations, warns the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance that TTIP may prioritize trade interests over public health. The document highlights the divergence between the EU's hazard-based REACH regulation and the U.S.'s risk-based Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), arguing that harmonization or mutual recognition could lead to a 'lowest-common denominator' approach to chemical safety. It specifically opposes investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms, which it claims allow corporations to sue governments over public interest laws, and warns that TTIP could preempt protective sub-federal laws in the U.S. and national laws in EU member states. Finally, it suggests that a restrictive TTIP could discourage other nations, particularly BRIICS countries, from adopting more stringent chemical safety standards.

The analysis finds that South Africa's population is likely to be significantly higher by 2030 than the NDP 2030 forecasts, primarily due to differing assumptions regarding migration. While the NDP assumes migration rates decline toward zero, the IFs model suggests a range of 64.4 to 68.8 million people by 2030 depending on migration trends. The brief highlights that migration is the largest source of demographic uncertainty, with substantial implications for provincial service delivery, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape. It also notes a continuing decline in fertility rates and a recovery in life expectancy driven by the scale-up of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), though it predicts a rising burden of non-communicable diseases by 2040.

The report finds that while a majority of Texans (70%) believe global warming is occurring, fewer than half (44%) attribute it primarily to human activities. There is high consensus among those who believe in global warming regarding future negative impacts in Texas, specifically heat waves (95%) and water shortages (92%). Additionally, a majority of respondents believe that government officials, citizens, and corporations should all do more to address the issue.

The Durban Declaration on Climate and Health, signed by health professionals from over 30 countries, argues that climate change is the greatest global health threat of the 21st century and that mitigation efforts, specifically transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, provide immediate health benefits. The declaration outlines five specific calls to action for COP17 delegations, including the need for greater health sector representation in the UNFCCC, the adoption of a strong second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol, and the negotiation of a binding agreement by 2015 that prioritizes human health and establishes a fair shares framework for emissions reductions.

The document warns that TTIP may prioritize trade interests over public health by promoting regulatory harmonization and mutual recognition that could lower chemical safety standards in the U.S. and EU. It specifically contrasts the EU's hazard-based REACH regulation with the U.S.'s risk-based TSCA approach, arguing that mutual recognition would effectively erase protections for chemicals restricted in only one jurisdiction. The author also cautions against investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms, which could allow corporations to sue governments over public interest laws, and warns that TTIP could preempt protective sub-federal or sub-regional laws. Finally, the statement suggests that a low-standard TTIP could chill the development of stringent chemical regulations in other regions, such as the BRIICS countries.

The document warns that TTIP may prioritize trade over public health by promoting regulatory harmonization and mutual recognition that could weaken chemical safety standards. It highlights the divergence between the EU's hazard-based REACH approach and the US's risk-based TSCA approach, arguing that mutual recognition would effectively erase protections unique to one jurisdiction. The author also cautions against investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) and the preemption of sub-national laws, while noting that TTIP could negatively influence chemical regulations in non-member countries like the BRIICS nations.

The statement argues that the current U.S. chemical regulation system is inadequate and warns that the TTIP could hinder progress on chemical safety by weakening existing EU and U.S. state standards. It calls for a trade agreement that prioritizes public health over corporate interests, rejects mutual recognition in sensitive sectors, and ensures transparency in negotiations.

The paper argues that South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 target of 5.4% average annual GDP growth is 'very ambitious' and unlikely to be met under current trends. Using the International Futures (IFs) model, the authors find a 'Base Case' average growth of 3.4% for 2014-2030, significantly lower than the NDP target and regional peers. While the 'Highway' scenario shows that combining aggressive interventions—such as reducing corruption, curbing HIV/AIDS, and increasing foreign direct investment—could push growth above 5%, such a path requires systemic structural change. Conversely, the analysis suggests that targets for education and infrastructure are 'eminently achievable' even with lower economic growth, indicating a potential lack of integration in the NDP's sectoral planning.

A group of health organisations, including the Climate and Health Alliance, wrote to WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan to highlight the urgent health risks posed by climate change. They specifically drew attention to the Doha Declaration on Climate, Health and Wellbeing, which calls for health protection to be a central priority in global and national climate policy, increased investment in mitigation and adaptation, and greater engagement of the health sector. The letter urges the WHO to treat these issues as a high priority and to share the Declaration with the Executive Board.

The IAI Science Advisory Committee (SAC) has alerted the Executive Council and Conference of the Parties (CoP) to a critical membership shortage. With six vacancies opening in June 2013 and three more in 2014, the SAC faces a near-complete turnover of membership. The committee is seeking highly qualified scientists with expertise in natural sciences, social sciences, and public health to provide credibility and guidance for the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) programs over the next five years.

The document examines the environmental footprint of wind power, noting that while it is a clean energy source, it has specific impacts on land use, wildlife, and local communities. It highlights that land-based facilities in the US use between 30 and 141 acres per megawatt, though permanent disturbance is less than 1 acre per megawatt. Wildlife impacts, particularly bird and bat collisions, are described as relatively low and manageable through better siting and operational adjustments. Public health concerns regarding sound and vibration have not been found to have adverse effects in studies from Canada and Australia. Finally, the document notes that wind power's life-cycle global warming emissions (0.02 to 0.04 pounds of CO2e/kWh) are significantly lower than those of natural gas or coal.

The report examines the health and economic impacts of Alberta's heavy reliance on coal-fired electricity, which generated 64 per cent of the province's electricity in 2012. Using the Illness Cost of Air Pollution (ICAP) model and other data, the authors estimate that coal plants contribute to hundreds of premature deaths and thousands of emergency department visits annually. The report identifies a wide range of pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, mercury, and particulate matter, which affect respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological health. Economically, the report argues that the true societal cost of coal—including health damages and the social cost of carbon—ranges from 3.6 to 13.7 ¢/kWh, far exceeding the market pool price of 6.6 ¢/kWh. The authors conclude that the current system effectively subsidizes coal power at the expense of public health and recommend that Alberta accelerate the retirement of coal units beyond the 50-year limit allowed by federal regulations.

The document outlines a framework for Ahmedabad to mitigate the deadly effects of extreme heat, which saw temperatures reach 46.8°C (116°F) during a May 2010 heat wave. It identifies a wide network of stakeholders across central, state, and municipal governments and recommends the creation of a Heat-Health Nodal Office to coordinate communication and response. Key proposed actions include installing additional weather gauges, implementing passive cooling like white china mosaic roofs, and expanding urban green cover. The brief emphasizes the need for targeted outreach to vulnerable populations, such as slum residents and outdoor workers, and suggests integrating heat warnings into existing disease surveillance systems.

The report identifies significant climate risks to human health in Nicaragua, primarily driven by the interaction of extreme weather events—such as floods and droughts—with high social vulnerability, particularly lack of clean water and sanitation. Statistical analysis shows seasonal patterns for diarrhœa, dengue, and leptospirosis linked to rainfall and temperature. While Nicaragua has institutional frameworks for disaster risk and climate change, the report finds a lack of inter-institutional coordination with the health sector and deficiencies in data monitoring. Recommendations include expanding water and sanitation infrastructure, improving health services, and integrating climate risk into national health policies.

The report examines the intersection of climate variability and public health in Nicaragua, identifying key vulnerabilities and proposing a comprehensive risk management framework.

The report examines the re-emergence of malaria in the western Kenyan highlands, driven by a combination of rising temperatures, rainfall patterns, and socio-economic factors. It finds that the population's vulnerability is very high due to low immunity, high poverty, and limited adaptive capacity at the local level. The document recommends strengthening the health system, improving early-warning systems for epidemics, and enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration between health, climate, and disaster management agencies.