In the wake of recent record-breaking temperatures, public health researchers are advocating for a One Health approach to tackle the growing impact of climate change on the Caribbean population. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes collaboration across sectors such as public health, tourism, and agriculture to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures on both human and environmental health.
Dr. Joy St. John, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), explained that One Health involves integrating efforts across multiple sectors to create cohesive plans that address health risks linked to climate change. This approach is already in practice within CARPHA’s operations, with joint planning initiatives that anticipate health challenges from events like the Cricket World Cup, and apply lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the focal points of the initiative is the creation of early warning systems. CARPHA, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), and the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), provides forecasts that link extreme weather events to potential health risks. For instance, during periods of Saharan dust, they advise respiratory protection measures, while floods trigger warnings on waterborne diseases like leptospirosis. With the extreme heat becoming more common, the focus has shifted to identifying areas in the Caribbean where interventions are needed most.
Dr. Mike Campbell, Deputy Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at UWI, highlighted that extreme heat exacerbates mental health challenges. Research shows a rise in mood disturbances, violence, and even suicide rates during heatwaves. Dr. Campbell's team at UWI is collaborating internationally to examine the psychological impact of climate change on Caribbean youth, specifically focusing on concepts like eco-anxiety—the anxiety caused by concerns about the future of the environment—and solastalgia, the distress experienced when familiar landscapes change dramatically.
Further research led by Dr. Heather Harewood from UWI's Public Health Group is exploring potential workplace interventions to help Caribbean workers cope with rising temperatures. One consideration is adjusting working hours to reduce exposure to peak heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.
As the Caribbean faces increasingly severe climate impacts, UWI researchers are committed to addressing both immediate health risks and long-term societal changes. This collaborative, transdisciplinary approach aims to develop solutions that will protect future generations from the effects of climate change, while also providing actionable research to guide public health policies across the region.