8.C. Scientific session: Health system resilience: A Planetary Health perspective

Abstract Planetary Health is a collective and unifying approach to balance the interlinkages between human health, political, economic and social systems as well as the natural systems of our planet, the importance of which is growing in the context of climate change in European countries and beyond. Yet, there is a dearth of of research linking Planetary Health to health systems’ resilience, particularly from a public health lens. With the number of studies growing regarding impacts of climate change on health, the question remains how health systems need to be prepared, focusing for example on the emergence of infectious diseases as well as the triple crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. In addition, tools to assess climate-related risks developed at international level, such as the vulnerability, adaptation and capacity assessment developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) have rarely been piloted in European countries. In this workshop, firstly evidence is presented on the status quo of how climate change impacts health and emerging infections in Europe and at global level. Secondly, the workshop provides insights into how tools to assess vulnerability and resilience of health systems in the context of climate change may be used in the European context. Thirdly, resilience is assessed against evidence emerging from the triple environmental crises of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. Key messages • In a planetary health lens, using mixed methods to consider climate change vulnerability of different population groups and adaptation potentials are key to address current complex health challenges. • Synergistic solutions and joint working across climate and health offer opportunities for greater health system resilience and population health impact.