Supportive Risk Awareness and Communication to Reduce impact of Cross-Border Heatwaves (SCORCH)

Description:

Extreme temperatures are characterized as climatological hazards, this includes heat and cold waves, and extreme winter conditions. In the EU and neighbouring countries, especially heat waves are considered a problem and are known to cause a rise in both morbidity and mortality. Heat waves are largely cross-border phenomena and require a collective response and preparedness in order to reduce the associated costs and health effects and mitigate the impact on communities. Evidence-based risk communication is an appropriate strategy in this regard, particularly when tailored to vulnerable populations (e.g. elderly) and territories (e.g. cities).

The overall objective of this project is to reduce the health impact of heat waves on vulnerable, urban populations through improved risk communication strategies. These strategies should be informed by existing EU plans and guidelines, and by surveys on the risk perception and behaviour of urban populations in EU neighbourhood. In addition, the project fosters a culture of prevention and cooperation across countries.

To make use of existing knowledge and strategies on heatwaves, existing heatwave plans of EU countries have been analysed in a heat plan compilation.

Project information

Lead

University Hospital Heidelberg

Partners

University Hospital Heidelberg (Germany)

Université catholique de Louvain (Belgium)

L. Sakvarelidze National Center For Disease Control And Public Health (NCDC) (Georgia)

International Network on Children’s Health, Environment and Safety (Netherlands)

Tel Aviv University (Israel)

Source of funding

UNION CIVIL PROTECTION MECHANISM of Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations