Managing the Health Risks of Climate Change

Climate change presents a fundamental threat to human health. It has affected the physical environment and all aspects of both natural and human systems. It is therefore a threat multiplier, undermining and potentially reversing health progress made during the last three decades. As climatic conditions change, more frequent and intensifying weather and climate events are observed such as storms, extreme heat, floods, droughts, and wildfires. These weather and climate hazards affect health both directly and indirectly, increasing the risk of deaths, non-communicable diseases, the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, and health emergencies. Managing these health risks requires coordinated global efforts to strengthen public health systems and build resilience in vulnerable communities. Managing the Health Risks of Climate Change provides new evidence on the health risks posed by climate change, offering a comprehensive analysis of how environmental changes are impacting human health. It further explores emerging strategies for managing these risks, highlighting innovative approaches to adaptation, mitigation, and the strengthening of health systems to better prepare for and respond to climate-related health challenges. Covering topics such as air conditioning, persons with disabilities, and women’s health, this book is an excellent resource for academicians, researchers, policymakers, health practitioners, and more.

Jeffrey Kurebwa is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Peace and Governance at Bindura University of Science Education, Bindura, Zimbabwe. He holds a PhD in Public Administration from Nelson Mandela University, South Africa; Master of Public Administration, and Bachelor of Science Honours in Administration Degree from the University of Zimbabwe. Jeffrey Kurebwa teaches at undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral level courses in Gender Studies, Local Governance, Research Methods, Public Policy and Management, and Community Development. He was a Visiting Lecturer for the Peace building and Post Conflict Recovery course for the PhD programme in the College of Business, Peace Leadership and Governance at Africa University, Zimbabwe (2021). Jeffrey is a Visiting Lecturer at Africa Leadership and Management Academy (ALMA) an affiliate of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Graduate Business School (Zimbabwe) where he teaches Management Theory and Practice, and Strategic Management. Dr Kurebwa has supervised and examined dissertations at undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level. He has examined Masters and Doctoral theses for Africa University, Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe Open University, and Bindura University of Science Education (Zimbabwe), Durban University of Technology, University of Kwazulu Natal, and Cape Peninsula University of Technology (South Africa). Jeffrey has over 80 publications including books, book chapters, and peer reviewed journal articles in the areas of gender, local governance, youth development, natural resource governance, cyber security, and public policy. Kurebwa has edited two books on Participation of Young People in Governance Processes in Africa (2019), and Understanding Gender in the African Context (2020). Dr Kurebwa is a Programme Peer Reviewer for the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). Kurebwa has peer reviewed programmes for Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe Open University, UNICAF, University of Zimbabwe, Arrupe Jesuit University, Great Zimbabwe University, and Midlands State University. Dr Kurebwa has done consultancy work for UN Women, National AIDS Council (NAC), and National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). Kurebwa is also an Advisory Board member for Shamva Agricultural College. He has been instrumental in designing and teaching short courses in Projects Monitoring and Evaluation; Project Planning and Management; and Gender and Transformative Studies.

David Makwerere is an experienced Leadership, Governance and Peace practitioner with over thirteen years lecturing experience in different universities in Zimbabwe. Program management specialist with demonstrated experience in overall leadership, management, supervision, and strategic vision for the implementation of systems capacity strengthening. He possess strong knowledge and experience in governance, systems strengthening, civil society capacity strengthening, peacebuilding/social cohesion and civic engagement. David is adept in managing staff and resources to ensure that programs meet targets and deliverables on-time, within budget, and at a high level of quality. Experience in ensuring governance processes are more equitable and effective, empowering communities to tackle the underlying causes of the world's toughest challenges, working collaboratively to build secure, productive and just communities. David also has experience in organizational development and monitoring and evaluation. He has an impressive profile of consulting in both the public sector and the voluntary sector, particularly civil society.