Led by the strategic vision and leadership of our leadership team and the groundbreaking work of our Centre members, we currently work within five research themes:
Impact of Climate Change on Infectious Diseases:
Our work in this theme focuses on understanding how shifting climate patterns affect disease dynamics, distribution, and human health. We explore how climate-related changes, such as temperature fluctuations and altered precipitation patterns, create environments that foster the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and Lyme disease. We investigate how a warming climate may exacerbate the incidence of infectious diseases in vulnerable regions including though health system responses and preparedness.
Climate Change and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
Extreme weather and air pollution contribute to the rising burden of NCDs, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, worsening mental health, and accidents. Our members investigate these links including how socioeconomic factors may compound climate-related NCD inequities. This work aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen health systems’ capacity to manage and mitigate climate-induced risks to physical and mental health.
Vulnerable Populations and Health Inequities:
Investigating how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups—such as low-income communities, indigenous populations, the elderly, and children—and creates or worsens health inequities. This thematic area often includes research on adaptive strategies and resilience for marginalized communities.
Climate Adaptation and Health Systems Resilience:
Examining ways to make communities and health systems more resilient to climate change and its impacts, including improving buildings and infrastructure, emergency preparedness, ensuring healthcare infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events, and integrating climate considerations into healthcare and development planning.
Air Quality and Climate-Related Health Outcomes:
Focusing on how climate change affects air pollution levels (e.g., increased wildfire smoke, ground-level ozone) and its related health outcomes including the incidence of cardio-respiratory events. This theme often includes policy research to mitigate air pollution and reduce emissions.