A new £10 million centre focused on delivering research on climate change and its impacts on health is being created by the University of Exeter.
Together with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the National Trust, Forest Research, the Met Office and other partner organisations, the Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
From its hub in Cornwall, with staff working across the UK, the centre will contribute to scientific advances, policy advice and innovation to reduce the negative health impacts of climate change while maximising the benefits of research.
Professor Tim Taylor from the University of Exeter, who leads the Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions, said: “Climate change is having major impacts on our health – whether that’s directly through heat related illnesses or infectious diseases, or indirectly through our food systems.
“Ecosystems play a critical role in mediating these impacts. Through better design of our urban environments, our green and blue spaces, or through food systems, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better respond to emerging health threats.
“The Net Positive Centre for Health and Climate Solutions will gather evidence on emerging risks and opportunities, work with communities to create responses and inform policies to improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK and beyond.”
