Work

Taking a Climate and Health History: A One Health‑Informed Approach to Primary Care and Services

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Climate change poses the greatest public health threat, disproportionately impacting communities in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) where fragile health systems increase vulnerability. Despite this, clinical practice often overlooks climate-related health risks. Current approaches focus on single disciplines or settings, limiting broader integration. Incorporating a One Health approach-recognizing the interconnection of human, animal, environmental, and plant health-into routine clinical encounters offers a pathway to strengthen climate-health awareness. This manuscript presents practical guidance for integrating climate and health histories, with a focus on heat exposure, and emphasizes the role of physicians, other health providers and three categories of Community Health Workers (CHWs) across the care continuum. A case study illustrates how targeted climate and environmental inquiries during history-taking can advance diagnosis and patient education. Embedding One Health in clinical care bridges existing gaps, enhances early detection of climate-related illness, and promotes culturally sensitive, holistic health interventions in vulnerable communities.

Source: Annals of Global Health

DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4898

Authors: Firoz Abdoel Wahid, Maureen Lichtveld, Samantha Totoni, Brian Earle

Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200