Digital health solutions for climate resilience

Climate change is a defining challenge of the 21st century, posing multifaceted risks to the health and well-being of the human population. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns contribute to the rising health burden of climate change. Moreover, climate change exacerbates existing health disparities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including people with chronic diseases, low-income communities, and regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. Digital health technologies offer a unique opportunity to provide innovative solutions that improve healthcare delivery and education, promoting sustainable healthcare practices and reducing carbon footprints.

In response to this urgent crisis, we invite submissions to a collection focusing on digital health solutions for climate resilience. This collection aims to explore innovative approaches utilizing digital health technologies to address the intersection of climate change and public health.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring: Exploring the role of digital health tools in enabling remote consultations, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with patient travel and expanding healthcare access to remote regions.
• Early warning systems: Investigating the potential of digital health technologies to develop early warning systems for climate-related health hazards, utilizing data analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict and mitigate risks.
• Disaster response and emergency management: Examining the use of electronic health records and digital communication platforms in facilitating seamless healthcare delivery during emergencies and optimizing resource allocation.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare: Assessing the environmental impact of healthcare practices and exploring digital solutions such as virtual conferences, online training programs, and electronic prescribing systems to minimize carbon emissions.
• Challenges of converging digital health for climate change resilience: Ensuring equitable access to digital health technologies, implementing robust privacy and security measures, and integrating sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of digital health solutions are essential challenges that must be addressed to maximize the potential of digital health in mitigating climate change impacts on public health.

We welcome submission of original research Articles, Reviews, Comments, and Perspectives that address the challenges and opportunities presented by the convergence of digital health and climate change. Submissions should emphasize practical implications and contribute to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 13 - Climate Action.