Global Dialogue on Climate Change, Ageing Population, and Health Challenges

The Head of Climate and Disaster Risk at the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD), Georgina Bedenham, has elaborated on the application of systems thinking to examine the intricate connections between climate change and health. Her insights were shared during a recent webinar hosted by the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC), which focused on the correlations between climate change, an ageing population, and health outcomes.

Exploring Climate Change and Health

During the webinar titled “Unpicking the web: climate change and health,” Georgina participated in a panel of experts dedicated to discussing the impact of climate change on public health and the systems that support individuals as they age. The event was co-hosted by ILC UK, the ILC Global Alliance Climate Change Committee, and GAD, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

In her presentation, Georgina detailed GAD’s ongoing efforts to investigate climate change as a multifaceted risk. She illustrated how climate-related hazards can influence health outcomes both directly and indirectly. Direct effects encompass incidents such as flooding and storms, which can result in injuries and mental health challenges, while extreme heat raises the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and dehydration. Indirect repercussions include disruptions in healthcare delivery caused by strained infrastructure and diminished healthcare budgets due to the adverse economic impacts of climate change.

These ramifications do not exist in isolation; rather, they interact and create a cascading effect within interconnected health, economic, and social systems. Georgina emphasised GAD’s commitment to understanding these dynamics, drawing upon evidence and collaborative engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. The department has co-developed a systems map to elucidate the relationships between climate-related hazards and mortality rates in the UK.

Insights from Global Experts

The webinar also featured contributions from various experts, including Professor Liat Ayalon from the School of Social Work in Israel. She presented a compelling case study from Togo, which showcased the impacts of climate change on food security, social cohesion, and migration patterns among older populations. Additionally, Professor Torsten Kleinow from the Research Centre for Longevity Risk at the University of Amsterdam discussed the correlation between heatwaves and short-term spikes in mortality rates across Europe.

The panel discussion incorporated perspectives from South Africa, Bangladesh, and Europe, highlighting the global nature of the climate-health challenges faced worldwide and the necessity of understanding how these impacts differ among various populations and contexts.

Advancing Actuarial Analysis

GAD’s ongoing initiatives are aimed at enhancing the understanding of the interplay between climate change and health, thereby supporting actuarial analysis that facilitates more informed policy and decision-making amidst increasing uncertainties. A recording of the webinar can be accessed via the ILC UK webinar page, providing an opportunity for further exploration of these crucial topics.