An overview of extreme weather-epidemic compound disasters

Extreme weather events are increasing the chances of global outbreaks of infectious diseases, and are highly susceptible to the formation of "extreme weather-epidemic" compound disasters. It has become a serious challenge for the global climate and public health. In this study, we summarize and outline a series of research that advances in the theoretical basis, monitoring technology, prediction and early warning, and risk assessment of extreme weather-epidemic compound disasters (EWED). We also present relevant recommendations for policy formulation and research directions of emergency management of such compound disasters, emphasizing the necessity to clarify the health impacts and triggers of extreme weather events, the enhancement of infectious disease surveillance and prediction techniques, and the construction of an extreme weather-epidemic compound disaster monitoring and early warning system. This will facilitate the improvement of the global emergency management capacity of extreme weather-epidemic compound disasters and reduce the human health burden and economic losses under the impact of climate change.