Adverse Weather and Health Plan 2024-2027 published

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has today published a three-year Adverse Weather and Health Plan which sets out how the organisation, with support from the Scottish Government and working in partnership with key stakeholders, will help to protect the health of the population from weather-related harm.

It is anticipated that climate change will have an increasing impact on Scotland’s weather. Climate predictions suggest that Scotland can expect adverse weather events, such as floods and heatwaves, to become more frequent and intense.

Such adverse weather events, will directly and indirectly impact health and wellbeing, potentially widening existing health inequalities.

Jess Baker, Public Health Consultant, Environmental Public Health Team, PHS said:

“The impacts of adverse weather events on health can be significant, often amplifying existing health conditions and sometimes resulting in premature death, disease and disability.

“This Adverse Weather and Health Plan sets out PHS’s commitment to working with partners to help mitigate, prepare for, and respond to the potential health risks associated with hot and cold weather, flooding and drought. There are several areas for action which we believe can make a real difference over the coming years, including developing our epidemiology and surveillance systems to help assess and monitor public health action.

“PHS cannot achieve the actions outlined in the plan alone, and the time and expertise of those who have contributed to it is greatly appreciated. In the coming months, work will be undertaken with Scottish Government, partners across public health and wider stakeholders to establish how we will work together as we move forward.”

View the Adverse Weather and Health Plan.