BC3-UPV/EHU Seminars: The benefits and costs of heat waves prevention in a context of rising temperatures

BC3-UPV/EHU Seminars
“The benefits and costs of heat waves prevention in a context of rising temperatures. “

Seminar given by Gerardo Sanchez (PhD. student, UPV/EHU)

Abstract

Heat waves are a serious threat to communities? health, particularly in urban settings. Heat-related health risks are increasing due to current trends of population ageing, fast urbanization and rising temperatures related to climate change.

However, public health prevention of heat waves is still not widespread, mainly because of resource constraints and uncertainty about the costs incurred and benefits achieved. Several available health valuation techniques can provide the basis for a cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analysis framework of this type of prevention.

While there is no standardized procedure for such analysis as yet, even an exploration of methodological steps could prove useful for public health authorities considering the implementation of heat prevention plans. Ultimately, only cost-beneficial and/or cost-effective adaptation options are likely to be adopted in a context of multiple competing public health priorities.