The effect of climate mitigation and adaptation policies on health and health inequalities: a systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review focuses on the effects of climate adaptation and mitigation actions in high-income countries on health inequality. The paper reviews existing evidence (158 studies) on the potential of climate actions to narrow or widen health inequalities and identifies mechanisms via which these effects could occur. The extent of the evidence is highly variable and spread across multiple scientific disciplines. In some domains of climate action (such as greener transport and blue and green infrastructure) the evidence on effects on health inequality for different population groups is well developed. In other domains (such as marine conservation and biodiversity), key evidence gaps were identified. Considerable variation exists in the level of detail explaining different mechanisms. Both positive and negative effects on health inequality were found to be possible, suggesting the importance of this research area in supporting climate justice. A more coherent, interdisciplinary approach would enable robust conclusions regarding the effect of specific interventions.