Human adaptation to heat in the context of climate change: a conceptual framework

Climate change is causing serious damage to natural and social systems, as well as having an impact on human health. Among the direct effects of climate change is the rise in global surface temperatures and the increase in the frequency, duration, intensity and severity of heat waves. In addition, u...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Navas Martín, Miguel Ángel, Cuerdo Vilches, Teresa, López Bueno, José Antonio, Díaz, Julio, Linares, Cristina, Sánchez Martínez, Gerardo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia
Repositorio:e-spacio. Repositorio Institucional de la UNED
Idioma:español
OAI Identifier:oai:e-spacio.uned.es:20.500.14468/25290
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14468/25290
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:32 Ciencias Médicas
32 Ciencias Médicas ::3212 Salud pública
adaptation
climate change
heat
conceptual framework
mortality
Descripción
Sumario:Climate change is causing serious damage to natural and social systems, as well as having an impact on human health. Among the direct effects of climate change is the rise in global surface temperatures and the increase in the frequency, duration, intensity and severity of heat waves. In addition, understanding of the adaptation process of the exposed population remains limited, posing a challenge in accurately estimating heat-related morbidity and mortality. In this context, this study seeks to establish a conceptual framework that would make it easier to understand and organise knowledge about human adaptation to heat and the factors that may influence this process. An inductive approach based on grounded theory was used, through the analysis of case studies connecting concepts. The proposed conceptual framework is made up of five components (climate change, vulnerability, health risks of heat, axes of inequality and health outcomes), three heat-adaptation domains (physiological, cultural and political), two levels (individual and social), and the pre-existing before a heat event. The application of this conceptual framework facilitates the assistance of decision-makers in planning and implementing effective adaptation measures. Recognizing the importance of addressing heat adaptation as a health problem that calls for political solutions and social changes. Accordingly, this requires a multidisciplinary approach that would foster the participation and collaboration of multiple actors for the purpose of proposing effective measures to address the health impact of the rise in temperature.