Keynote Address 3
Heat and Mortality Associations in Urban and Rural Communities of East Asian Countries
Ho Kim
Professor of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Seoul National University
Date:
Time:
Format:
Speaker:
18 November 2021 (Thursday) - Scientific Session Day 3
0900-0930 (Hong Kong Time, GMT+8)
Virtual
Professor of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health,
Seoul National University
Synopsis:
Climate change has already become one of the most important global health concerns, and the results of many study indicate that if the current trend continues, the burden of the future will be nearly catastrophic. Rapid urbanization and population aging are expected to exacerbate the problem of climate change, with serious consequences for future human health. East Asia, including Hong Kong, is an area where climate change, urbanization, and population aging are taking place at the same time.
Heatwave is one of the most studied topics so far in the climate change and health research area and has been reported to be associated with mortality and morbidity in many parts of the world. Some studies report greater health effects of heat waves in urban areas, while others report the opposite trend. Therefore, more research is needed according to these regional characteristics.
This presentation examines the health effects of heat waves, especially in urban areas, and considers ways to minimize them. The effect of environmental factors such as urban greenness, socio-economic factors, and demographic factors such as population density on heat related death is also examined. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of urbanization in terms of adaptation to climate change, which is essential for the sustainable future.