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Science Policy to Advance a Climate Change and Health Research Agenda in the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Jaime Madrigano

    (RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA 22202, USA)

  • Regina A. Shih

    (RAND Corporation, Arlington, VA 22202, USA)

  • Maxwell Izenberg

    (Pardee RAND Graduate School, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA)

  • Jordan R. Fischbach

    (The Water Institute of the Gulf, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA)

  • Benjamin L. Preston

    (RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA)

Abstract

Climate change is thought to be one of the greatest public health threats of the 21st century and there has been a tremendous growth in the published literature describing the health implications of climate change over the last decade. Yet, there remain several critical knowledge gaps in this field. Closing these gaps is crucial to developing effective interventions to minimize the health risks from climate change. In this commentary, we discuss policy trends that have influenced the advancement of climate change and health research in the United States context. We then enumerate specific knowledge gaps that could be addressed by policies to advance scientific research. Finally, we describe tools and methods that have not yet been fully integrated into the field, but hold promise for advancing the science. Prioritizing this advancement offers the potential to improve public health-related policies on climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Jaime Madrigano & Regina A. Shih & Maxwell Izenberg & Jordan R. Fischbach & Benjamin L. Preston, 2021. "Science Policy to Advance a Climate Change and Health Research Agenda in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:15:p:7868-:d:600954
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tisha Joseph Holmes & Ava Holt & Dorette Quintana English, 2022. "Progress of Local Health Department Planning Actions for Climate Change: Perspectives from California, USA," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Jean C. Bikomeye & Sima Namin & Chima Anyanwu & Caitlin S. Rublee & Jamie Ferschinger & Ken Leinbach & Patricia Lindquist & August Hoppe & Lawrence Hoffman & Justin Hegarty & Dwayne Sperber & Kirsten , 2021. "Resilience and Equity in a Time of Crises: Investing in Public Urban Greenspace Is Now More Essential Than Ever in the US and Beyond," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-39, August.

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