The Impact of Climate Change on Health: An Approximation from the Urban Context with the One Health Approach

Abstract

Climate change affects environmental health, animal health, and thus -directly and indirectly-, human health. Urban environments, being critical areas in this respect, make it necessary to address the issue urgently. One Health provides a distinctive approach to this end. In urban planning and design, it brings to light issues and perspectives in terms of quality of life and environmental improvement which, given the risks arising from global warming, need to be considered. This paper examines this reality through a critical review of both the challenges and the applicability of the concept. Beyond the barriers and uncertainties that can be associated with it, the potential of the approach lies in the emphasis it places on relationships and in particular on interdependencies between human, animal and environmental health in a context of complexity. In this respect, it is also key to avoid complacent perspectives and to rely on interdisciplinarity and broad visions of the health problems arising from climate change in the medium and long term.