Horizon Scanning to Identify Emerging Environmental Health Concerns: Community-Based Strategies to Shift from Reactive to Proactive Approaches

Emerging environmental threats increasingly challenge public health systems, and these risks often outpace the ability of scientists and policymakers to respond effectively. To address this gap, horizon scanning offers a proactive approach to identify early signals of potential threats, enabling timely research and policy action. This commentary synthesizes insights from a 2024 workshop convened by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and proposes strategies to develop a horizon scanning Community of Practice (CoP) for improved identification and response to emerging environmental health risks. This commentary addresses key challenges identified during the 2024 workshop including slow risk assessment, fragmented data systems, and limited cross-agency communication. We also review existing successful frameworks for horizon scanning, including the Delphi method (using structured collective intelligence for foresight), the U.S. Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council Contaminants of Emerging Concern framework, and additional interdisciplinary collaboration models. We identify that effective models share common features: Clear objectives, structured yet flexible communication, and inclusion of diverse stakeholders, including nontraditional experts and affected communities. Empowering stakeholder "champions" and leveraging existing tools and networks enhance collaboration and efficiency. We propose that developing a horizon scanning CoP requires transdisciplinary collaboration, shared data standards, and inclusive engagement. Starting with focused, scalable efforts and building on existing frameworks can improve preparedness and enable more proactive, coordinated responses to emerging environmental health threats.