Community-led actions for health and well-being with climate change related extreme weather events

Background

Climate change driven extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity and pose major health risks. Community-led action can be key to keeping vulnerable populations safe in such events but is poorly researched. This paper presents the findings of three in-depth UK case studies of a community ranger service, an urban farm and an energy poverty charity working with health services to address extreme weather events of heat, floods and cold.

Methods

Our methods involved a scoping literature review, interviews and focus groups, co-creating systems maps, participant observation with young people and adults with learning disabilities and analysing clinical data from energy poverty health professional referrals.

Results

Our findings revealed our cases offered nuanced, local knowledge of their environments and of vulnerable community members, rapid mobilisation of resources, flexibility, innovation and being trusted intermediaries between the community and public services. This addressed risks of flooding, young people drowning during heatwaves, existing health conditions exacerbated by extreme temperatures and storms preventing adults with learning disabilities accessing services. In addition, work was hindered by short-term, unpredictable funding and ethical issues with data sharing. Stakeholder mapping, participant observation and clinical data illustrated mechanisms for how community-led action can independently, and collaboratively, support communities during extreme weather events.

Conclusions

Our study shows community-led actions, whilst under recognised, can be key to protecting vulnerable populations from climate change impacts although significant financial constraints exist for scaling up. Similar community-led actions, and their challenges, are likely to be present across Europe and globally.

Key messages

• Community-led organisations are important innovators, leaders and intermediaries in preparing for the enormous challenges to health posed by climate change related extreme weather events.

• Community-led organisations are the source of vital local knowledge of people, environment and solutions for climate adaptations and should be regarded as key collaborators and leaders