Extreme heat, natural disasters, food insecurity: climate change is known to have serious consequences for human physical health. In many places, scientific findings are being used to develop adaptation strategies and to mitigate the consequences of climate change for human health. But what about mental health? Research in this field is still in its early stages. As a result, climate, health and development policy also lacks strategies for prevention and treatment. To draw attention to this area of research, the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) are opening the discussion in an international virtual panel discussion on Tuesday, 9 June.

Urban planning needs to tackle greenhouse gas emissions – and an important way to achieve this is by reducing the number and length of car commutes. This can be achieved primarily by ensuring that homes are located close to city centres and workplaces, so well-targeted building densification becomes a critical lever. City-wide population density and transport links are of secondary importance. These are the findings of a new study in Environmental Research Letters, led by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Sussex and other partners.

Persistent methane emissions from sectors such as agriculture and growing debates over the credibility of carbon offsets are creating new challenges for governments and companies pursuing net-zero commitments. New research suggests temporary carbon storage may have a scientifically valid role in helping support climate goals, if used in the right way.

About The Study: The findings from this study project that climate change may substantially increase heat-attributable cardiovascular disease burden across the U.S. by 2050, disproportionately affecting economically vulnerable populations and population aging amplifying this impact. The Pacific Northwest showed highest baseline burden, while Southern and Midwestern states demonstrated steepest projected increases. Heat mitigation must become central to cardiovascular prevention, with targeted interventions prioritizing vulnerable communities. The study analyzed 3,108 U.S. counties from 2010 through 2016 with projections in 2030 and 2050.

New research from the University of Sydney has provided the first associative link between heat stress and koala mortality.