A Research Agenda to Protect Human Health and Build Resilience in the Face of a Changing Climate

Climate change is a defining health challenge of the 21st century. Its impacts, from heat-related illness and extreme weather to food insecurity and mental health distress, are already affecting populations across the United States and globally. However, gaps in research, data, infrastructure, and public engagement hinder the nation's ability to respond effectively and equitably.

A Research Agenda to Protect Human Health and Build Resilience in the Face of a Changing Climate outlines a bold vision to advance climate-health research. This agenda identifies key research domains including health impacts, adaptation and mitigation strategies, infrastructure and capacity building, and policy and public engagement. The publication provides actionable guidance to accelerate transdisciplinary science, inform evidence-based policy, and support community resilience, especially for those most vulnerable to climate threats.

Table of Contents

Front Matter FOREWORD FOREWORD INTRODUCTION 1 CLIMATE AND HEALTH RESEARCH GAPS 2 KEY FINDINGS AND RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES CONCLUSION REFERENCES APPENDIX A: INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW PROTOCOL APPENDIX B: KEY WORDS FROM LITERATURE SEARCH APPENDIX C: RESEARCH GAPS IDENTIFIED IN PHASES 1 AND 2 (INTERVIEW SYNTHESIS AND LITERATURE SEARCH) APPENDIX D: SURVEY QUESTIONS APPENDIX E: KEY THEMES FROM SURVEY OF MEETING ATTENDEES APPENDIX F: SAMPLE RESEARCH QUESTIONS BY TOPIC