Why
Climate change is the single biggest threat to human health. Effective climate-health action requires public health professionals to be agents of change. Generating and synthesizing evidence, communicating health risks, and building interdisciplinary partnerships will help to address key climate and health issues, including extreme heat.
Our approach
Shade reduces urban heat islands, provides thermal comfort, and prevents heat-related illness and death. When provided by tree canopy, the co-benefits of shade extend to the environment, including supporting biodiversity and improving air quality. And yet, many outdoor urban places lack adequate shade.
Effective, evidence-based design solutions and improved collaboration between public health and built environment professionals are needed. Our research aims to mobilize public health action on climate change by evaluating, synthesizing, and disseminating evidence on shade to inform and inspire climate adapted built environments that protect and promote health and well-being. The HxD Lab is also leading research to develop Climate Change Competencies for Public Health in Canada.
Outcomes
We are currently conducting a series of scoping reviews on shade, including design best practices, policy, and health equity issues. Our work will generate evidence-based strategies and approaches to guide intersectoral action and decision-making on climate change and health, including improving our cities’ shadescapes. Our Climate Change Competencies work is geared to public health professionals, and the training, educaiton, and professional development needed to upskill the Canadian public health workforce regarding climate change and health. Both projects are funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Related publications to date include:
Cimino, A., McWhirter, J. E., & Papadopoulos, A. (2022). An evaluation of the amount, type, and use of shade at public playgrounds in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy, and Practice, 42(5), 209-217.
Cimino, A., McWhirter, J. E., & Papadopoulos, A. (2022). Made in the shade: A qualitative study of factors impacting shade provision at outdoor public parks. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 32(11), 2562–2574.