Climate Change and Human Health: Strategies for Building Resilient Healthcare Systems
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Climate Change, Human Health, Healthcare Resilience
Abstract
Climate change has intensified environmental stressors that directly and indirectly threaten human health, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, vector-borne disease expansion, and disruptions to food and water security. Healthcare systems worldwide face increasing pressure as climate-related hazards exacerbate morbidity and mortality, revealing systemic vulnerabilities in infrastructure, workforce capacity, and emergency preparedness. This study aims to identify strategic approaches for strengthening healthcare system resilience in the face of climate change by examining adaptive, organizational, and technological interventions. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining systematic literature analysis with case-based evaluations of climate adaptation initiatives implemented across multiple regions. The findings show that integrated climate-health surveillance, climate-resilient infrastructure, workforce training, and digital early-warning systems are among the most effective strategies for enhancing resilience. The results also highlight that governance coordination and equitable resource allocation significantly shape adaptive capacity. The study concludes that building resilient healthcare systems requires a multisectoral approach that embeds climate risk assessment into health planning, expands adaptive technologies, and prioritizes vulnerable populations. Strengthening resilience is essential not only for mitigating climate-related health impacts but also for ensuring long-term system sustainability amid accelerating environmental change.
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