ISMED-CLIM: Innovative Solutions for Climate Resilience in the Mediterranean
ISMED-CLIM addresses the critical health impacts of climate change in the Mediterranean, a region especially vulnerable to rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events. By focusing on the needs of vulnerable groups, such as outdoor workers, pregnant women, and older adults, the project aims to create scalable, practical solutions to protect public health and enhance the resilience of healthcare systems.
Challenges
Mobilizing stakeholders and citizens to understand the health risks of climate change and implement mitigation solutions.
Addressing insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of current alert systems and recommendations.
Improving tools to assess vector-borne disease risks and manage population health.
Developing emergency plans and risk assessments for local healthcare systems to address climate-related impacts.
Ensuring the scalability and replication of proven solutions across the Mediterranean.
Work Packages
WP1: Project Framework Specification and Requirements’ Elicitation
Led by DEASL, this work package focuses on defining the project’s framework, gathering requirements, and establishing the foundation for implementing climate-health solutions.
WP2: Climate Change Effects on Non-Communicable and Infectious Diseases Across the Mediterranean Region
NKUA leads this package to assess the impacts of climate change on health outcomes, with a focus on both non-communicable and infectious diseases.
WP3: Digital Tools for Forecasting and Health Data
Led by EBOS, this work package develops digital tools to provide forecasting information, evidence-based recommendations, and access to personal exposure and health data.
WP4: Living Lab-Based Deep Demonstrations
UNICT takes charge of testing and implementing solutions in Living Labs across Mediterranean sites, focusing on vulnerable populations and regional healthcare systems.
WP5: Impact Creation and Sustainability
Led by CyI, this package ensures the scalability of project outcomes through replications, trainings, and policy outreach, maximizing the long-term sustainability of solutions.
WP6: Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation
EF leads efforts to promote project outcomes through targeted communication, engagement campaigns, and dissemination of findings.
WP7: Project Management
Managed by UCY, this work package ensures smooth coordination across the consortium, monitors progress, and oversees project deliverables.
Impact
Scientific Impact
ISMED-CLIM will deliver Mediterranean-specific exposure response coefficients for climate-related health outcomes, considering effect modifiers and projecting future health impacts under different climate scenarios. The project will also quantify the effectiveness of Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS) and evidence-based interventions targeting heat and air pollution exposure. These efforts aim to achieve a 20% improvement in primary health outcomes for vulnerable groups, such as outdoor workers, pregnant women, and older adults.
Technological and Economic Impact
ISMED-CLIM integrates advanced technologies, including AI-augmented forecasting tools, wearable sensors, and digital policy dashboards. These innovations aim to enhance healthcare system resilience and adaptation to climate change while demonstrating cost-effectiveness. Economic benefits are projected to include job creation, regional GDP growth of up to 0.2%, and leveraging over €150M in climate resilience investments
Societal Impact
Policy Impact
ISMED-CLIM contributes to regional and EU policies by providing data-driven recommendations and supporting the integration of solutions into updated public health and occupational safety legislations. It also aligns with the EU Adaptation Strategy by offering scalable solutions for regional health and climate resilience.