The Climate Conundrum Podcast

Building Climate Resilience: A Public Health Perspective

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In this episode host Sanika Diwanji dives into the intersection of #climateresilience and #publichealth , joined by Abhiyant Tiwari, a leading expert in climate resilience and health at #nrdc India.

The episode highlights:
Key Themes:

  • Climate Change and Public Health Interlinkages:

    • Abhiyant explains how climate change exacerbates health risks, from heat stress and vector-borne diseases to air pollution and its impact on vulnerable populations.

    • Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan:

      • Abhiyant shares his experience in developing South Asia's first Heat Action Plan, which has become a global benchmark for tackling heat-related health challenges.

      • Critical Insights:
        • Rising Risks:

          • - 2023 marked alarming levels of heat stress, with each Indian experiencing 100 days of heat stress on average, according to the @Lancet.

          - Increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and landslides due to climate change.

          • India’s Efforts:

            • - The National Program on Climate Change and Human Health aims to mitigate health impacts by building climate-resilient health facilities and enhancing early warning systems.

            - Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat provide health insurance and revamp public health infrastructure, focusing on prevention and access.

            • Challenges and Solutions:
            • Challenges:
              • - Addressing systemic gaps in preparedness and governance.
              - Sensitizing healthcare systems to climate-linked health conditions.
              - Managing the burden of high out-of-pocket health expenditures for vulnerable populations.


              • Solutions:
                • - Community-driven initiatives like cool roofing in Jodhpur and renewable energy solutions in rural areas.
                - Emphasis on **risk literacy** and localized resilience strategies.


                • Key Takeaways for Listeners:
                  • - Small, impactful steps like understanding local risks, participating in community resilience programs, and embracing proactive measures can significantly mitigate climate risks.
                  - Empowering communities and integrating bottom-up approaches are crucial for scalable and sustainable solutions.


                  Join this engaging discussion to explore how we can build a climate-resilient future while safeguarding public health. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations!

                  #climateaction #publichealth #resilience #HeatActionPlan #sustainabledevelopment #india #Indiaclimatechange #podcast #climateeducation
                  Time Stamps
                  00:00 - Climate Resilience and Health Importance
                  05:37 - Abhiyant's Journey in Public Health
                  08:27 - Climate Change and Public Health in India
                  15:47 - Disaster Management in India's Climate Change
                  22:21 - Risk Literacy and Capacity Building
                  29:08 - Improving India's Healthcare System Challenges
                  33:16 - Addressing Vector-Borne Diseases in India
                  37:02 - Enabling State Disaster Policies
                  41:00 - Community-Led Solutions in Disaster Management
                  45:24 - Energy Access Solutions marginalised communities & future roadmap

                  ...more
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                  The Climate Conundrum PodcastBy The Climate Conundrum Podcast