Oral

It is well accepted in the public health community that climate change will have many public health implications. For example, studies predict up to 150 million people will be forced from their homes between now and 2050 due to climate changes. The results of these mass displacements will increase poverty and associated health effects including decreases in life expectancy and increases in infant mortality and infectious diseases. Additionally, scientists believe infectious diseases will become a big challenge as geographic shifts in outbreaks start occuring because of the changing climate. This session will explore some of these issues and offer a look at simple interventions at the local level and models that can help understand mitigation options.

Session Objectives: Participants in this session will: 1. Understand how climate change will impact human migration and the public health implications of this; 2. Discuss the different infectious disease challenges related to climate change in Europe; 3. Explore the connections between ecosystem protection, climate change and public health.