Assessment tool to estimate the economic costs of health impacts of climate change

This prototype tool that can be used to estimate the economic costs of health impacts of climate change using data for health economic analysis and adaptation activity costs at the local level in the RAMSES cities within the WHO European Region. The tool can be applied both prospectively and retrospectively, while the timeframe of the economic evaluation will be largely determined by that of the underlying health impact assessment.

The tool, together with the accompanying document, aims at contributing to the overall goal of the RAMSES project to facilitate local engagement in adaptation planning, policy and implementation. The tool presents a simplified methodology for the evaluation of the economic consequences of disease and injury resulting from climate-related health outcomes. The methodology is based on a limited number of inputs, which makes it applicable also in settings of low data availability. The results provide estimates for advocacy by local governments and other stakeholders and early adaptation guidance. Despite this simplification, using this methodology requires some effort of data collection and modelling assumptions. While sound locally generated data are always preferable for local adaptation planning, a range of additional sources are offered in the text and annexes where available.