Translating climate service information into personalized adaptation strategies to cope with thermal climate stress (ClimApp)

Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Heat waves and cold spells have severe health consequences as it is increasing deaths and illnesses. Heat and cold also affect the productivity of millions of European workers. Improvements in climate services are therefore necessary in order to help minimise the negative impact of these events. However, the impact of heat and cold stress on health and productivity are dependent not only on climate factors, but also on human thermal regulation capacity, heat acclimatization, work intensity, clothing, etc. For the purpose of warning and preparedness, weather forecasts will be more valuable if combined with individual characteristics and translated into personalized adaptation strategies.

ClimApp is a EU project funded by European Research Area for Climate Services (ERA4CS) and three participating countries: Sweden, Denmark and The Netherlands. The overall aim of this project is to develop an advanced mobile phone App that integrates weather forecast data into human heat balance models. The personalized App takes into account individual factors and predicts body responses, provides health risk warning and advice for individuals, public and private sectors, to support decision-making to cope with heat and cold stress when facing extreme weather events such as heat waves and cold spells.

ECCA 2021 - Climate Adaptation solutions video - ClimApp