The nexus between climate change and public health: a global overview with perspectives for Indian cities

Climate change is widely recognized as a major threat to public health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report (IPCC AR6), assessing different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios (SSP1-1.9, SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5), projects that relative to 1850–1900, the global temperature is rising and would exceed 2 °C during the twenty-first century under the high (SSP3-7.0) and very high (SSP5-8.5) greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios considered. Populations within tropical and subtropical regions are more likely to experience increased vulnerability towards heat stress. In this study, a summary of some of the important aspects of climate change and human health has been presented. The effects of climate change on India’s energy demand, employment, labor market and benefits have also been highlighted. Finally, we have discussed the national policies implemented or action underway to mitigate climate change and improve public health and have also provided some recommendations to carry forward. The current study overviewing the nexus between climate change and public health has a major aim to provide a perspective towards strengthening the health system in Indian cities.