Futureproofing Health: Developing a Center for Climate-Resilient Health in Disasters

Tufts University Boston, Boston MA

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: InnovatEd Leaders Network Core The goal of the InnovatEd Leaders Network Core (ILN) is to build research capacity by developing the professional networks, knowledge base and representation of the next generation of researchers, practitioners and policy makers in climate, health and disasters. The ILN Core will support the overall goal of CORD, which is to develop action-oriented strategies to protect health and build resilience in climate-related disasters. Within the 7 universities around that world that will participate in CORD, the ILN Core will establish a cohort of PhD students who focus on health effects of climate change in their studies and thesis projects. The ILN Core will create mechanisms to connect them to peers in other countries and expose them to a variety of different disciplinary methods and research in climate, health, and disasters. They will be equipped with the tools and networks needed to prevent or ameliorate the impact of climate disasters on health. Aim ILC1 is to build a global trans-disciplinary cohort of PhD students to collaborate on research relating to climate, health, and disasters. Their research projects will focus on the Case Studies in the Research Project Core, which will include one project in each participating country. Peer-to-peer learning contracts between pairs of students of diverse perspectives and experiences will encourage accountability and support among students and build bridges to future collaborations. Common curricula of technical and professional skills will be offered via professional development mini courses. Aim ILC2 is to integrate climate and health into disciplinary curricula. Participating universities will review their curricula in the domains of earth sciences, health sciences, or social sciences and will adjust them to mainstream climate and health in each discipline. Aim ILC3 is to promote representation of future leaders at national and international forums on climate and health and help them build professional networks. The ILN Core will create in a new generation of scientists who have specific trans-disciplinary training in the health effects of climate change, in creating and using important new climate datasets for the Global South, and in using principles of community engagement to tailor climate change research studies and Anticipatory Actions to the specific communities they serve. They will be prepared to become researchers, practitioners and policy makers in climate and health in order to shape future outcomes around the world.