Digital Health and Climate Change

Summary

To give an overview of recent research and propose a selection of best papers published in 2024 on digital health and climate change.

A comprehensive search of PubMed and Web of Science was conducted to identify peer-reviewed articles published between December 2023 and December 2024 on the theme “Digital Health and Climate Change”. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by the two editors to identify candidate papers for the best paper selection process. This process included: (1) a detailed review of the shortlisted papers by the two editors, six experts from internationally recognized research groups, and the Yearbook editorial committee; and (2) the final selection of the best paper during an in-person consensus meeting of all Yearbook editors.

The selected papers showcase advances in using digital health to support climate goals, with most focusing on telemedicine’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Selected studies largely fall into two categories: (1) the design of digital technologies aimed at climate resilience, and (2) the environmental effects of digitally supported care models, especially telemedicine.

Telemedicine emerges as a key enabler of sustainable healthcare in 2024, while broader and more holistic evaluations remain essential for future progress.