Harnessing Digital Health Technologies to Combat Climate Change-Related Health Impacts.

Area of Science:

• Environmental health
• Digital health
• Climate change adaptation

Background:

• Climate change significantly threatens global health, worsening existing conditions and creating new ones.
• Urgent need for innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change's adverse health effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of digital health technologies in addressing climate change-related health challenges.
• To discuss the dual role of digital health in reducing healthcare's carbon footprint and enhancing management of climate-sensitive diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of digital health technologies for climate change adaptation.
• Framework proposal for leveraging digital health in disease surveillance, telemedicine, patient support, and public awareness.

Main Results:

• Digital health technologies can reduce healthcare's environmental impact.
• These technologies can improve understanding and management of climate-sensitive diseases.
• Responsible development of advanced technologies like Generative medical AI (GMAI) is crucial to minimize ecological drawbacks.

Conclusions:

• Digital health technologies are vital tools for climate change adaptation in healthcare.
• A proposed framework outlines key applications for leveraging these technologies effectively.
• Balancing technological benefits with environmental responsibility is essential for sustainable digital health implementation.