Contributors: Joanes Atela, Ann Irungu, Florence Onyango
The organisation and execution of the ARIN Climate and Health Conference 2024 was overseen by the ARIN Secretariat, based in Nairobi, Kenya. The ARIN Climate and Health Committee provided invaluable guidance in designing and delivering the conference in an integrated manner. Additionally, ARIN fellows from over 26 African countries played a pivotal role in linking the conference discussions to their respective countries and organisations.
The ARIN Secretariat extends its sincere gratitude to the keynote speakers, panellists, moderators, and discussants for their inspirational and diverse insights into the intricate relationship between climate, health, and policy. The fourteen case study presenters enriched the conference by sharing empirical and contextual case studies, significantly contributing to the body of knowledge through their theoretical, practical, and experiential insights. Special appreciation is extended to the over 300 participants who actively engaged throughout the three-day conference, offering thought provoking questions and valuable contributions.
Knowledge and resources supporting the conference were drawn from ongoing research projects implemented by ARIN fellows across Africa and beyond. Special recognition is given to Slum Dwellers International (SDI), Statsspeak, The African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC), The Institute of Meteorological Research (IMTR), and the LAMA and CAPCHA projects led by ARIN team leaders. These organisations were instrumental in facilitating collaborative side events, adding depth and engagement to the conference.
The ARIN Secretariat sincerely appreciates these collective efforts, partnerships, and contributions that made the ARIN Climate and Health Conference 2024 a success. Through this collaboration, the conference fostered impactful dialogue and partnerships, strengthening efforts towards climate and health resilience.
Siloed approaches can have several adverse consequences:
- Fragmented Understanding: Researchers and practitioners working in isolation may lack a comprehensive grasp of the interplay between climate change and health. For instance, climate scientists may focus solely on environmental impacts without considering health outcomes, while health professionals might overlook climate influences on disease patterns.
- Missed Opportunities for Synergy: Transdisciplinary collaboration can drive innovative solutions that simultaneously address climate change mitigation, adaptation, and health promotion. Without such collaboration, potential synergies remain untapped.
- Policy and Interventions: Policies designed in isolation may prove inadequate or even counterproductive. For example, a climate adaptation strategy that overlooks health considerations could inadvertently heighten health risks, such as increased exposure to heatwaves or vector-borne diseases.
- Limited Capacity Building: Siloed practices restrict transdisciplinary learning and skill development. Effective climate resilience requires capacity-building initiatives that draw on diverse knowledge sources.
The Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), a leading consortium dedicated to advancing research excellence and evidence-based policymaking, hosted its 4th International Conference from 6th to 8th November 2024. Held virtually, the conference focused on the theme “Bridging Knowledge Gaps: Promoting Transdisciplinarity for Climate and Health Resilience.” This theme underscored the urgent need for transdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration to tackle the climate crisis and its profound health impacts. The conference aimed to bring together stakeholders from diverse fields, fostering dialogue and partnerships to develop integrated, sustainable solutions for enhancing resilience and promoting health in the face of climate challenges.
