A University of Worcester lecturer played a leading role in an international summit bringing together researchers, policymakers, health professionals, government representatives and advocacy organisations to address one of the world’s most pressing challenges: the impact of climate change on human health.
Dr Jessica Mee, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology and founder of the Female Heat Laboratory, was a member of the Steering Group for the Global Climate and Health Summit, helping to guide discussions and shape the programme for the event.
The summit provided a platform for experts from across sectors to share evidence, discuss emerging challenges and identify collaborative solutions to the growing health impacts of climate change. Participants included representatives from academia, healthcare, public policy and non-governmental organisations, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and partnership working.
As part of the summit, discussions explored the effects of rising temperatures on vulnerable populations, the risks posed by extreme heat, and the actions needed to protect communities, workers and health systems in a changing climate. The event highlighted the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives to support evidence-based policy and practice.
Dr Mee’s involvement reflects the University of Worcester's commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Commenting on the summit, Dr Mee said: “Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires collaboration across disciplines, sectors and borders. The summit brought together people from a wide range of organisations and backgrounds, creating valuable opportunities to share knowledge, identify priorities and develop practical solutions to support healthier and more resilient communities.”
The University’s contribution to the summit builds on ongoing research led by Dr Mee and colleagues into the impacts of extreme heat on health, wellbeing and workplace productivity. Through partnerships with researchers, practitioners and organisations in the UK and internationally, the University continues to support knowledge exchange and collaborative approaches to tackling climate-related challenges.