Climate change and health research projects

Climate change is one of the biggest health threats facing humanity - it is already affecting human health around the world. Impacts of climate change on health are not evenly distributed, but they are likely to increase. The University Research Institutes at the University of Bristol are looking into the intersection between climate change and health to help us find solutions for a healthier future. Here are some of the projects we support.

• Hydro-epidemiological modelling to understand Leptospira transmission risk and interventions

  With flooding events becoming more common due to climate change, the occurrence of leptospirosis is expected to increase. This research will improve our understanding of how the bacteria causing this disease (Leptospira) moves through the environment, to inform interventions to reduce transmission risks.
• Risks for micronutrient losses due to vector-borne plant viruses affecting nutritious crops

  Our academics are understanding the risks of viruses impacting nutritious crops which will help target surveillance, diagnostics and plant-health interventions in regions of the greatest need.
• UNSEEN heatwave mortality

  Our researchers are assessing possible heatwave events and the resulting mortality in our current climate conditions is critical to preparing our population and the National Health Service (NHS) for health-impacting heat events.
• Climate change and the Amazonian ecosystems – towards a new understanding

  Researchers from the University of Bristol are spearheading new efforts to understand the impacts of climate change on the Brazilian Amazon and its Indigenous and traditional communities.
• Pioneering research ranks world’s most populated cities for flood and drought risk

  Research has revealed how the 100 most populated cities globally are becoming increasingly exposed to flooding and drought.