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Climate change and health

Christina Atchison and Wendy Kwok

Climate change and health is the third and final instalment of the wider Global Health Challenges and Governance specialisation from Imperial College London's Global Master of Public Health (GMPH). The scope and content of this course has been developed from the ground up by a combined team of academics and practitioners in collaboration with experts from Imperial College’s Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment. Through short video lectures, readings and a wide range of interactive activities, learners will be immersed in the intersection of climate change and health.

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Climate change and health is the third and final instalment of the wider Global Health Challenges and Governance specialisation from Imperial College London's Global Master of Public Health (GMPH). The scope and content of this course has been developed from the ground up by a combined team of academics and practitioners in collaboration with experts from Imperial College’s Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment. Through short video lectures, readings and a wide range of interactive activities, learners will be immersed in the intersection of climate change and health.

Designed for those new to the discipline, over four modules (intended for one week of learning each), learners will become familiar with the relationship between globalisation, environmental change and health. Learners will be introduced to climate change, its influence on individual and public health and implications for policy: whether new to the topic, or coming with a wealth of experience. By the end of this course, learners will be familiar with planetary health, global climate governance structures and climate policy instruments. Learners will also be able to analyse relevant policies, evaluate their adequacy for tackling global health challenges and recommend alternative approaches where appropriate.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Climate Change and Health
Planetary Health
This module begins by exploring the relationship between globalisation, environmental change and health. It provides a critical introduction to the Anthropocene: a new geological Epoch/Event, where humans are viewed as the primary driving force of environmental change. We then examine the linkages between global environmental change and the Anthropocene, specifically in relation to attempts to understand the connections between environmental change and human health on different scales.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intersection of climate change and health, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge in the field
Instructors have expertise and experience in climate change and global health
Provides tools for analyzing climate change and health policies
Coursework includes interactive activities and a capstone project
Required for the Global Health Challenges and Governance Specialization from Imperial College London's Global Master of Public Health (GMPH)

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Reviews summary

Essential overview of climate change and health

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and highly relevant exploration of the critical intersection between climate change and human health. Students praise its ability to introduce complex topics in an accessible manner, making it suitable for those new to the discipline while still offering valuable insights for professionals. The well-structured video lectures, combined with engaging readings and interactive activities, facilitate a deep understanding of planetary health and global climate governance. Many highlighted the course's strength in equipping them with analytical tools for health policy, demonstrating its practical application in addressing global challenges.
Interactive elements and well-produced materials enhance learning.
"The short video lectures were engaging and easy to follow, making the learning process enjoyable."
"I found the readings insightful and the interactive activities really helped to solidify my understanding."
"The course overall was very well-produced with high-quality materials that kept me motivated."
Equips learners with practical tools for health policy evaluation.
"The module on global health policy analysis was particularly useful; I can now critically assess real-world climate-health policies."
"I appreciated learning about the different climate policy instruments and their implications for public health."
"The case study approach to policy was excellent; it helped me connect theory to practical application."
Breaks down complex interdisciplinary topics into digestible modules.
"The lectures were clear and concise, making complex concepts of planetary health very easy to grasp, even for a beginner."
"I enjoyed how the course covered such a broad scope, from basic climate science to advanced policy analysis, in a logical flow."
"Even though I was new to some concepts, the course provided a solid foundation and didn't overwhelm me with jargon."
Addresses a critically important and contemporary global issue.
"This course provided invaluable knowledge on one of the most pressing issues of our time: climate change and its impact on public health."
"I found the content incredibly relevant to current global challenges and my professional development."
"It's a very timely and crucial topic, and the course covered it comprehensively, which I appreciated."
Some topics could benefit from more detailed or advanced coverage.
"While excellent for an overview, I felt some specific health impacts could have been explored in more depth."
"I would have loved to see more advanced discussions on certain mitigation strategies or specific policy challenges."
"For those with some background, certain sections might feel introductory, and I wished for deeper dives."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Climate change and health with these activities:
Review epidemiology concepts
Refreshes the student's knowledge of basic epidemiology concepts, which will help them better understand the course material.
Browse courses on Epidemiology
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous coursework or study materials.
  • Do practice questions to test your understanding.
Complete practice problems on global health
Reinforce your understanding of global health concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Global Health
Show steps
  • Identify key global health concepts
  • Practice solving problems related to global health
  • Check your solutions against answer keys
Planetary Health Simulation
Participate in a simulation using a system dynamics model to understand the interactions between human health and climate change.
Browse courses on Planetary Health
Show steps
  • Read the provided materials and watch the tutorial videos.
  • Join an online simulation group and collaborate with others.
  • Run the simulation and analyze the results.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Develop a policy brief on a global health issue
Apply your knowledge of global health challenges and policy to create a tangible deliverable.
Browse courses on Global Health Policy
Show steps
  • Research a global health issue
  • Analyze relevant policies and data
  • Develop policy recommendations
  • Write a policy brief

Career center

Learners who complete Climate change and health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Climate Change Communication Specialist
Climate Change Communication Specialists communicate the risks and opportunities of climate change to stakeholders. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the strategies that can be used to communicate these impacts to stakeholders. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Climate Change Communication Specialist, as you will need to be able to communicate the risks and opportunities of climate change to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Communication Specialist
Climate Policy Analyst
Climate Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies to address climate change. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the policies that are being developed to address it. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Climate Policy Analyst, as you will need to be able to develop and analyze policies that protect public health from the impacts of climate change.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analyst
Public Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that aim to improve public health. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the policies that are being developed to address it. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Public Health Policy Analyst, as you will need to be able to develop and analyze policies that protect public health from the impacts of climate change.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Policy Analyst
Health Advocacy Manager
Health Advocacy Managers lead advocacy campaigns to improve public health. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the strategies that can be used to advocate for policies to address these impacts. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Health Advocacy Manager, as you will need to be able to develop and lead advocacy campaigns to protect public health from the impacts of climate change.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Advocacy Manager
Health Impact Assessment Specialist
Health Impact Assessment Specialists assess the health impacts of policies and projects. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the methods that can be used to assess these impacts. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Health Impact Assessment Specialist, as you will need to be able to assess the health impacts of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Health Impact Assessment Specialist
Climate Change Adaptation Specialist
Climate Change Adaptation Specialists help organizations and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the strategies that can be used to adapt to these impacts. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Climate Change Adaptation Specialist, as you will need to be able to help organizations and communities adapt to the health impacts of climate change.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Adaptation Specialist
Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Analysts help organizations understand the risks and opportunities associated with climate change. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the science of climate change, its impacts on human health, and the policies that are being developed to address it. This knowledge will be invaluable for your work as a Climate Change Analyst, as you will need to be able to communicate the risks and opportunities of climate change to decision-makers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst
Climate Change Risk Assessor
Climate Change Risk Assessors identify and assess the risks of climate change to organizations and communities. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the methods that can be used to assess these risks. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Climate Change Risk Assessor, as you will need to be able to identify and assess the risks of climate change to human health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Risk Assessor
Environmental Health Inspector
Environmental Health Inspectors ensure that the environment is safe for human health. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the strategies that can be used to mitigate these impacts. This knowledge will be essential for your work as an Environmental Health Inspector, as you will need to be able to identify and mitigate environmental hazards that affect human health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Inspector
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for organizations. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the environmental and health impacts of climate change, and the strategies that can be used to mitigate these impacts. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Sustainability Manager, as you will need to be able to develop and implement sustainability strategies that protect the environment and human health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager
Environmental Epidemiologist
Environmental Epidemiologists study the relationship between environmental factors and human health. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the methods that can be used to study these impacts. This knowledge will be essential for your work as an Environmental Epidemiologist, as you will need to be able to study the health impacts of climate change and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Epidemiologist
Global Health Policy Advisor
Global Health Policy Advisors develop and analyze policies to address global health challenges. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the policies that are being developed to address it. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Global Health Policy Advisor, as you will need to be able to develop and analyze policies that protect public health from the impacts of climate change.
See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Policy Advisor
Environmental Justice Advocate
Environmental Justice Advocates work to address environmental injustices that affect marginalized communities. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the disproportionate impact that it has on marginalized communities. This knowledge will be essential for your work as an Environmental Justice Advocate, as you will need to be able to develop and implement strategies to address the environmental injustices that affect these communities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Justice Advocate
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of communities. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change and the strategies that can be used to protect public health. This knowledge will be essential for your work as a Public Health Nurse, as you will need to be able to educate the public about the health impacts of climate change and implement strategies to protect public health from these impacts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists work to identify and mitigate environmental hazards that affect human health. By taking the Climate Change and Health course, you will learn about the health impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, air pollution, and waterborne diseases. This knowledge will be essential for your work as an Environmental Health Scientist, as you will need to be able to assess the risks of these hazards and develop strategies to protect human health.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Climate change and health.
Cover image
All for Health, Health for All
Save
This report from the World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization provides a comprehensive assessment of the health impacts of climate change, with a focus on global perspectives.
All for Health, Health for All
Paperback
Check
All for Health, Health for All
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and...
Save
This report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides the most up-to-date assessment of the impacts of climate change on human health and ecosystems.
Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and...
Paperback
$$$$
Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
BUSINESSES OF THE STATE
Save
This report from the World Health Organization reviews the current state of knowledge on the health impacts of climate change and provides guidance for health policy responses.
The Business of the State
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Noncommunicable diseases and mental health in small...
Save
This report from the World Health Organization provides a comprehensive review of the mental health impacts of climate change.
Noncommunicable diseases and mental health in small...
Paperback
Check
Noncommunicable diseases and mental health in small...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Kofi Annan and Global Leadership at the United...
Save
This report from the International Organization for Migration provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between climate change and migration.
Kofi Annan and Global Leadership at the United...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Food Systems Profile – Liberia
Save
This report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on food security.
Food Systems Profile – Liberia
Paperback
Check
Food Systems Profile – Liberia
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
WHO global water, sanitation and hygiene
Save
This report from the World Water Assessment Programme provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on water resources.
WHO global water, sanitation and hygiene
Paperback
Check
WHO global water, sanitation and hygiene
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Algeria
Save
This report from the International Renewable Energy Agency provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on energy.
Algeria
Paperback
Check
Algeria
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis
Save
This report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on transportation.
Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis:...
Paperback
$$$$
Climate Change 2021 – The Physical Science Basis:...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Save
This report from the World Bank provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on urban areas.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Paperback
Check
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Connected farmers
Save
This report from the United Nations Development Programme provides a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of climate change on rural areas.
Connected farmers
Paperback
Check
Connected farmers
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
Approximately 50 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Imperial College London
Instructors
Christina Atchison
Wendy Kwok
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Global Health Challenges and Governance. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Migration and health
  2. Globalisation and health governance
  3. Climate change and health (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the intersection of climate change and health, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic
Suitable for both beginners and those with prior knowledge in the field
Instructors have expertise and experience in climate change and global health
Provides tools for analyzing climate change and health policies
Coursework includes interactive activities and a capstone project
Required for the Global Health Challenges and Governance Specialization from Imperial College London's Global Master of Public Health (GMPH)
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