Component 4: Integrated risks monitoring, early warning, and GHG emissions tracking

Climate hazards such as extreme weather events, extreme temperatures or precipitation, and related environmental risks such as water and air quality affect the incidence and distribution of climate-sensitive health outcomes. Integrated risk monitoring refers to the use of epidemiological surveillance and early detection tools used in conjunction with in-situ and remote sensing technologies of environmental determinants of health (e.g. water availability, air and water quality, variability in ambient temperature, precipitation, humidity, or extreme weather events).Monitoring a broad range of signals around a health risk can allow changing conditions to be identified more quickly to anticipate and respond to climate-related outbreaks and emergencies. Effective monitoring and early warning systems can therefore prevent avoidable illness, injury and death when coupled with an adequate response.  

In addition, health systems should enhance their capacity to monitor greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and track progress on emission reductions. Data collected from the GHG emission assessment (see component 3) should be integrated into the health monitoring system. Emission progress should be regularly monitored and publicly reported, for example, through annual reports and the UNFCCC Global Climate Action Portal. This will require collaboration within the health sector and with other sectors. 

For more information on the objectives, sample outputs and indicators for integrated risks monitoring, and early warning, and GHG emissions tracking, see the WHO Operational Framework for building climate-resilient and low carbon health systems (under Resources).