Assessment of human health vulnerability to climate variability and change in Cuba.
In this study we assessed the potential effects of climate variability and change on population health in Cuba. We describe the climate of Cuba as well as the patterns of climate-sensitive diseases of primary concern, particularly dengue fever. Analyses of the associations between climatic anomalies and disease patterns highlight current vulnerability to climate variability. We describe current adaptations, including the application of climate predictions to prevent disease outbreaks. Finally, we present the potential economic costs associated with future impacts due to climate change. The tools used in this study can be useful in the development of appropriate and effective adaptation options to address the increased climate variability associated with climate change.
Bultó
Paulo Lázaro Ortíz
PL
Climate Center, Institute of Meteorology, Havana, Cuba. paulo@met.inf.cu
Rodríguez
Antonio Pérez
AP
Valencia
Alina Rivero
AR
Vega
Nicolás León
NL
Gonzalez
Manuel Díaz
MD
Carrera
Alina Pérez
AP
D002980:Climate; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D003715:Dengue / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004782:Environmental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*