Y.1.PK.1. Inequalities in climate–health indicators: towards a core equity-sensitive monitoring set for Europe
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rationale The need for climate-health monitoring in Europe is increasing, but indicators are still commonly reported as national averages. This can conceal inequalities in exposure, vulnerability and access to protection across socioeconomic position, gender and migration status, limiting efficient targeting of resources to those at greatest risk. Recent developments, (e.g. Belém COP 30 adaptation indicator process), emphasise human rights, intergenerational equity and participatory, transparent approaches, and encourage social disaggregation (incl. by gender, socio-economics, Indigenous Peoples and migrants). In parallel, health information systems (HIS) guidance highlights the need to embed health equity aspects in indicator methodology, include local knowledge and values, and consider policy capacity and financing resources. Equity-focused monitoring can also inform the distribution of climate-related health impacts and associated healthcare costs and productivity losses (e.g. in climate-exposed occupations), creating a timely opportunity for Europe to align national monitoring approaches and strength-en comparability on climate-related health outcomes. Objectives This round table will (1) showcase national approaches to equity-sensitive climate–health indicators (Austria, Netherlands, Finland, Scotland, Norway) and how inequality data can be embedded in routine health information systems, including WHO frameworks for HIS strengthening, governance and reporting; (2) include BEST‑COST as a European case study on methods to estimate the socio-economic costs of air and noise pollution and a deprivation index for distributional analysis; (3) compare approaches for disaggregation and linkage of environment–health–social data, including minimum stratifiers, gap/coverage measures and handling small numbers; and (4) discuss measurement challenges for marginalised populations through a migration lens informed by the Lancet Regional Health Europe Commission on climate change, migration, displacement and health, and draft actionable indicator suggestions for national public health institutes. Coherence and added value The session supports experience-sharing and learning, comparing methods and supporting the development of a core set of equity-sensitive climate health indicators, highlighting frameworks (Scotland, Austria), inequality metrics (Netherlands: socioeconomics; Finland: gender, Norway: vulnerable populations), HIS requirements (WHO and national experience), migration-related measurement challenges, and health economics (BEST‑COST). Outputs will include recommended minimum stratifiers, example indicator ‘cards’ and ethics considerations (barriers to access and feedback mechanisms) to support climate-resilient, equitable policy and routine reporting through existing systems Format: 5-min chair framing; five 5-6 min panellist provocations; 20-min moderated debate; 20-min audience interaction; 5-min wrap-up and next steps for EU collaboration. Key messages • Climate-health averages can hide inequalities, calling for minimum stratifiers and transparent reporting on equity dimensions (e.g. using indicator cards). • Equity-sensitive climate-health monitoring should report gaps in coverage/outcomes and track barriers to access, participation and means of implementation (capacity/finance). Speakers/Panellists Marieke Verschuuren DHS/DAD, WHO/Europe, Hellerup, Denmark Frederike Garbe Public Health Scotland, Edinburgh, UK Mikaela Grotenfelt-Enegren Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland Iris Meulman RIVM, Bilthoven, Netherlands Vanessa Gorasso Sciensano, Brussels, Belgium
Authors: Andrea Schmidt, Shilpa Rao-Skirbekk
Institution: European Public Health Association
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7223682111