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Climate Change and Health Research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

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Abstract

Anthropologically induced climate change, caused by an increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is an emerging threat to human health. Consequences of climate change may affect the prevalence of various diseases and environmental and social maladies that affect population health. In this article, we reviewed the literature on climate change and health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This region already faces numerous humanitarian crises, from conflicts to natural hazards and a high burden of disease. Climate change is likely to aggravate these emergencies, necessitating a strengthening of health systems and capacities in the region. However, the existing literature on climate change from the region is sparse and informational gaps stand in the way of regional preparedness and adaptation. Further research is needed to assess climatic changes and related health impacts in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Such knowledge will allow countries to identify preparedness vulnerabilities, evaluate capacity to adapt to climate change, and develop adaptation strategies to allay the health impacts of climate change.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Ms. Aida Farha, the Librarian at the American University of Beirut, for her assistance in the archival database search. This work was supported by a grant from the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut.

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The authors report no conflict of interest and no personal financial gains.

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  1. Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, 1107 2020, Beirut, Lebanon

    Rima R. Habib, Kareem El Zein & Joly Ghanawi

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  1. Rima R. Habib
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  2. Kareem El Zein
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  3. Joly Ghanawi
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Correspondence to Rima R. Habib.

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Habib, R.R., Zein, K.E. & Ghanawi, J. Climate Change and Health Research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. EcoHealth 7, 156–175 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-010-0330-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-010-0330-1

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