Addressing climate change challenges through ergonomics and human factors

Abstract There is no doubt that climate change and its manifold consequences are already one of the most pressing and central challenges for society today. It is essential to address climate change with effective and practicable measures to mitigate or, at least, be prepared and adapt to the impacts. This work has to start now. Ergonomics/Human Factors (E/HF) generally aims to improve people’s health and well-being, but climate change threatens both these aims. Nevertheless, E/HF offers a broad inventory of methods to meet climate change challenges on a number of levels. This paper describes E/HF approaches and knowledge to reduce the consequences of climate change and to be prepared to adapt to unavoidable consequences. Practical Relevance : To reduce climate change E/HF can be applied to design appropriate systems and products. In terms of the adaptation requirements of climate change, rising temperatures, extreme weather events (droughts, storms, floods), and threats from insects and diseases are specifically addressed. E/HF provides knowledge on the technical, organisational, and personal protective measures that can be adopted under these new circumstances. On this basis, it is concluded that although climate change is already noticeable, its progression can be reduced through appropriate, practical measures. Even then, however, it is still necessary to be prepared for its effects.