World Health Organization Examines Climate-Related Health Impacts in Indianapolis as One of Six World City Profiles

WHO and the City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability present ‘Health and Climate Change Urban Profile’ for Indianapolis.

INDIANAPOLIS – The World Health Organization (“WHO”) in partnership with the City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability and the Marion County Public Health Department today announced the publication of a Health and Climate Change Urban Profile for the city of Indianapolis. Noting transparency in sustainability efforts after the 2019 adoption of the Office of Sustainability’s Thrive Indianapolis plan and subsequent annual reports, WHO selected Indianapolis to be one of six pilot cities profiled, including an examination of the impacts of climate change on public health.

“The City of Indianapolis is proud to lead on such a critical issue, demonstrating best practices from which other cities can also benefit,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “Climate change continues to be studied for its many and various associated impacts, and thanks to WHO and SustainIndy, we can visualize what substantive action could look like in the realm of public health.”

This World Health Organization (WHO) health and climate change urban profile for Indianapolis presents a snapshot of key climate hazards, climate-sensitive health risks, and the potential health benefits of climate change adaptation and mitigation. The profile provides examples of some immediate risks based on available evidence and reported priorities and initiatives. Outlined in this profile are opportunities to promote policies and projects that protect the climate and environment while having large immediate health benefits at a local level.

“Indianapolis is a leader in the growing movement to create healthy, thriving cities for everyone. The WHO Urban profile for Indianapolis provides a local map of the solutions the city is implementing to protect people’s health from climate change” said Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director of Environment, Climate Change and Health.

To read the Indianapolis Health and Climate Change Urban Profile, click here.

Well over half the world’s population lives in cities, and many people rely on them for their health and well-being. Cities are centers of economic activity, consume large amounts of resources, and are faced with both opportunities and challenges. A growing number of cities are rising to the challenge of climate change and transforming urban areas into places where both people and the planet can thrive.

“The Marion County Public Health Department is proud to have played an important role in the development of the World Health Organization's Health and Climate Change Urban Profile for Indianapolis,” said Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director and chief medical officer of the health department. "This report has shown us where we need to address efforts in reducing the negative health impacts of climate change in Marion County, specifically of extreme heat, flooding, and poor air quality."

The urban profiles, developed by WHO in collaboration with local governments, key stakeholders and international partners present a snapshot of climate change hazards and related health risks.

They provide a visual and accessible resource for local leaders to:

  • raise awareness about the health threats from climate hazards facing their city;

  • summarize local adaptation and mitigation policies, plans and interventions;

  • identify the health, social and environmental benefits from tackling climate change;

  • strengthen the case for action.

For more information about the WHO including profiles of other world cities, click here.

Mo McReynolds