In this episode host Sanika Diwanji dives into the intersection of #climateresilience and #publichealth , joined by Abhiyant Tiwari, a leading expert in climate resilience and health at #nrdc India. The episode highlights: Key Themes:

• Climate Change and Public Health Interlinkages:

Abhiyant explains how climate change exacerbates health risks, from heat stress and vector-borne diseases to air pollution and its impact on vulnerable populations.

• Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan:

Abhiyant shares his experience in developing South Asia's first Heat Action Plan, which has become a global benchmark for tackling heat-related health challenges.

• Critical Insights:

• Rising Risks:

- 2023 marked alarming levels of heat stress, with each Indian experiencing 100 days of heat stress on average, according to the @Lancet. - Increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and landslides due to climate change.

• India’s Efforts:

- The National Program on Climate Change and Human Health aims to mitigate health impacts by building climate-resilient health facilities and enhancing early warning systems. - Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat provide health insurance and revamp public health infrastructure, focusing on prevention and access.

• Challenges and Solutions:
• Challenges: - Addressing systemic gaps in preparedness and governance. - Sensitizing healthcare systems to climate-linked health conditions. - Managing the burden of high out-of-pocket health expenditures for vulnerable populations.

• Solutions: - Community-driven initiatives like cool roofing in Jodhpur and renewable energy solutions in rural areas. - Emphasis on **risk literacy** and localized resilience strategies.

• Key Takeaways for Listeners: - Small, impactful steps like understanding local risks, participating in community resilience programs, and embracing proactive measures can significantly mitigate climate risks. - Empowering communities and integrating bottom-up approaches are crucial for scalable and sustainable solutions.

Join this engaging discussion to explore how we can build a climate-resilient future while safeguarding public health. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations! #climateaction #publichealth #resilience #HeatActionPlan #sustainabledevelopment #india #Indiaclimatechange #podcast #climateeducation Time Stamps 00:00 - Climate Resilience and Health Importance 05:37 - Abhiyant's Journey in Public Health 08:27 - Climate Change and Public Health in India 15:47 - Disaster Management in India's Climate Change 22:21 - Risk Literacy and Capacity Building 29:08 - Improving India's Healthcare System Challenges 33:16 - Addressing Vector-Borne Diseases in India 37:02 - Enabling State Disaster Policies 41:00 - Community-Led Solutions in Disaster Management 45:24 - Energy Access Solutions marginalised communities & future roadmap