Editing IPCC:AR6/WGII/Chapter-7 (section)

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

<div id="FAQ 7.1" class="h2-container"></div>

<span id="faq-7.1-how-will-climate-change-affect-physical-and-mental-health-and-well-being"></span>
=== FAQ 7.1 | How will climate change affect physical and mental health and well-being? ===

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Climate change will affect human health and well-being in a variety of direct and indirect ways that depend on exposure to hazards and vulnerabilities that are heterogeneous and vary within societies, and that are influenced by social, economic and geographical factors and individual differences (see Figure FAQ7.1.1). Changes in the magnitude, frequency and intensity of extreme climate events (e.g., storms, floods, wildfires, heatwaves and dust storms) will expose people to increased risks of climate-sensitive illnesses and injuries and, in the worst cases, higher mortality rates. Increased risks for mental health and well-being are associated with changes caused by the impacts of climate change on climate-sensitive health outcomes and systems (see Figure FAQ7.1.2). Higher temperatures and changing geographical and seasonal precipitation patterns will facilitate the spread of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and dengue fever, and water- and food-borne diseases. An increase in the frequency of extreme heat events will exacerbate health risks associated with cardiovascular disease and affect access to freshwater in multiple regions, impairing agricultural productivity and increasing food insecurity, undernutrition and poverty in low-income areas.

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[[File:49c0be25c4efe234b033396c257a5481 IPCC_AR6_WGII_Figure_7_FAQ_7_1_1.png]]

'''Figure FAQ7.1.1 |''' ''' Pathways from hazards, exposure and vulnerabilities to climate change impacts on health outcomes and health systems.'''<br />
WBD: waterborne disease, VBD: Vector-borne disease, and FBD: Food-borne disease.

[[File:c99345fc03c7c2c69d64c42e74f6b29c IPCC_AR6_WGII_Figure_7_FAQ_7_1_2.png]]

'''Figure FAQ7.1.2 |''' '''Climate change impacts on mental health and key adaptation responses.''' PTSD: Post traumatic stress disorder.

<div id="FAQ 7.2" class="h2-container"></div>

<span id="faq-7.2-will-climate-change-lead-to-wide-scale-forced-migration-and-involuntary-displacement"></span>
=== FAQ 7.2 | Will climate change lead to wide-scale forced migration and involuntary displacement? ===

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Climate change will have impacts on future migration patterns that will vary by region and over time, depending on the types of climate risks people are exposed to, their vulnerability to those risks and their capacity—and the capacity of their governments—to adapt and respond. Depending on the range of adaptation options available, households may use migration as a strategy to adapt to climate risks, often through labour migration. The most common drivers of climate-related displacement are extreme weather events, floods and droughts, especially when these events cause severe damage to homes, livelihoods and food systems. Rising sea levels will present a new risk for communities situated in low-lying coastal areas and small island states. The greater the scale of future warming and extreme events, the greater the potential scale of future, involuntary climate-related migration and displacement.Progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has strong potential to reduce future involuntary climate-related migration and displacement.

<div id="FAQ 7.3" class="h2-container"></div>

<span id="faq-7.3-will-climate-change-increase-the-potential-for-violent-conflict"></span>
=== FAQ 7.3 | Will climate change increase the potential for violent conflict? ===

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Climate hazards have affected armed conflict within countries but the observed influence of climate is small relative to socioeconomic, political and cultural factors. Adverse impacts of climate change threaten to increase poverty and inequality, undermine progress in meetings Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and place strain on civil institutions—all of which are factors that contribute to the emergence or worsening of civil unrest and conflict. Climate change impacts on crop productivity and water availability can function as a ‘risk multiplier’ for conflict in areas that are already politically and/or socially fragile and, depending on circumstances, could increase the length or the nature of an existing conflict. Institutional initiatives within or between states to protect the environment and manage natural resources can serve simultaneously as mechanisms for engaging rival groups and adversaries to cooperate in policymaking and peacebuilding.

<div id="FAQ 7.4" class="h2-container"></div>

<span id="faq-7.4-what-solutions-can-effectively-reduce-climate-change-risks-to-health-well-being-forced-migration-and-conflict"></span>
=== FAQ 7.4 | What solutions can effectively reduce climate change risks to health, well-being, forced migration and conflict? ===

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The solution space includes policies, strategies and programmes that consider why, how, when and who should be involved to sustainably adapt to climate change. Effectively preparing for and managing the health risks of climate change requires considering the multiple interacting sectors that affect population health and effective functioning of health systems. Considering the close inter-connections between health, migration and conflict, interventions that address climate risks in one area often have synergistic benefits in others. For example, conflicts often result in large numbers of people being involuntarily displaced and facilitate the spread of climate-sensitive diseases; tackling the underlying causes of vulnerability and exposure that generate conflict reduces risks across all areas. A key starting point for health and well-being is strengthening public health systems so that they become more climate resilient, which also requires cooperation with other sectors (water, food, sanitation, transportation, etc.) to ensure appropriate funding and progress on sustainable development goals. Interventions to enhance protection against specific climate-sensitive health risks could reduce morbidity and mortality and prevent many losses and damages (Figure FAQ7.4.1). These range from malaria net initiatives, vector control programmes, health hazard (syndromic) surveillance and early warning systems, improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), heat action plans (HAPs), behavioural changes and integration with disaster risk reduction (DRR) and response strategies. More importantly, climate resilient development pathways (CRDPs) are essential to improve overall health and well-being, reduce underlying causes of vulnerability and provide a framework for prioritising mitigation and adaptation options that support sustainable development. Transformative changes in key sectors including water, food, energy, transportation and built environments offer significant co-benefits for health.

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[[File:94168dc420bf97930e0c40755e351e1d IPCC_AR6_WGII_Figure_7_FAQ_7_4_1.png]]

'''Figure FAQ7.4.1 |''' ''' Solution space for adaptation to climate change in health and other sectors.'''

<div id="FAQ 7.5" class="h2-container"></div>

<span id="faq-7.5-what-are-some-specific-examples-of-actions-taken-in-other-sectors-that-reduce-climate-change-risks-in-the-health-sector"></span>
=== FAQ 7.5 | What are some specific examples of actions taken in other sectors that reduce climate change risks in the health sector? ===

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Many actions taken in other sectors to address the risks of climate change can lead to benefits for health and well-being. Adaptive urban design that provides greater access to green and natural spaces simultaneously enhances biodiversity, improves air quality and moderates the hydrological cycle; it also helps reduce health risks associated with heat stress and respiratory illnesses, and mitigates mental health challenges associated with congested urban living. Transitioning away from internal-combustion vehicles and fossil fuel-powered generating stations to renewable energy mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality and lowers the risks of respiratory illnesses. Policies and designs that facilitate active urban transport (walking and bicycling) increase efficiency in that sector, reduce emissions, improve air quality and generate physical and mental health benefits for residents. Improved building and urban design that foster energy efficiency improve indoor air quality and reduce risks of heat stress and respiratory illness. Food systems that emphasise healthy, plant-centred diets reduce emissions in the agricultural sector while helping in the fight against malnutrition.

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