May 1, 2020 / 1:36 PM / 2 days ago
Next risk? Coronavirus pandemic underscores climate health threats
Laurie Goering
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The United States and Britain are among the countries worst hit by the coronavirus and have faced criticism for their handling of the pandemic. But only last year, they ranked as the countries most prepared for a major health crisis.
That suggests that when it comes to preparedness, “we’re not measuring what we need to measure,†said Kristie Ebi, a University of Washington public health specialist - adding that also applies to emerging threats from climate change.
From healthcare facilities built in the likely path of floods or wildfires to an inability to effectively track outbreaks, vulnerability to climate-related health threats is likely greater than we think, health experts said during an online event this week.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-climate-change/next-risk-coronavirus-pandemic-underscores-climate-health-threats-idUSKBN22D615
