Environmental change poses a major challenge to human health in many parts of the world. The effects of global warming frequently exacerbate the impacts of existing inequality, instability and natural events. Sea level rise, drought, air pollution and ecosystem degradation can lead to significant health impacts, affecting both the incidence of chronic conditions and the spread of infectious disease. Drawing on expertise from across the College and beyond, work focuses on understanding the mechanisms that drive environmental change and tracking their impact on human health. We apply this knowledge to reduce or manage health risks by devising local solutions to help communities adapt to change, but also promoting evidence-based policy development at a regional and national level. 

Briefing: The impact of climate change on mental health and emotional wellbeing: current evidence and implications for policy and practice
A graphic showing the 9 things you can do for your health and the planet logo - a heart-shaped globe with foliage behind it, set against a scene from the animation

Helping our health while healing the planet: experts identify nine things we can do to combat climate change and improve our wellbeing.
Graphic depicting a futuristic city with icons representing health, wealth, jobs and happiness

Read our briefing on the co-benefits of climate change mitigation in the UK, which considers what issues the UK public are concerned about, and how action on climate change can help to address them.
Cyclists in London in front of a double decker

Cycling has been found to bring both the best physical and mental health benefits in a study carried out in seven European cities.

Explore our work

From air pollution to infectious disease, find out more about a selection of our research projects on environmental change and health.

Still from the climate cares graphic showing a person's head with thought bubbles

Climate Cares

Climate Cares is a collaboration that aims to understand and support mental health in the current climate and ecological crises.

Air pollution from factories

NExAir - Air Quality Network

This network of excellence brings together researchers from across Imperial to deliver insights and identify the next frontiers in air quality.
Groups of people in huddles on the dusty bank of Sangam

Extreme weather and warmer temperatures

This research area focuses on the health effects of extreme weather events, from heatwaves to flooding.
A close up of a mosquito on someone's skin

Infectious disease ecology

Researchers at Imperial are studying the role of global environmental change in shaping infectious disease risks.

Academics / Publications

Academic Expertise

Explore our directory of Imperial academics who are working in: 

Meet all Grantham Affiliates

Publications

Grantham Institute briefing papers provide background and advice on key climate change and environment issues. 

Read Grantham Institute publications about health.

Transition to Zero Pollution

Transition to Zero Pollution is a flagship initiative of the Imperial's Academic Strategy, with a vision to realise a sustainable zero pollution future. The initiative brings researchers from different disciplines together to take a systems approach to tackling pollution in all its forms.
View our academic publications

Climate and health at Imperial

At Imperial, scientists are researching the links between climate change and health, and how to achieve both a healthy planet and a healthy society. Find out more about the breadth of research taking place by exploring the Transition to Zero Pollution pages here.

Grantham Institute blog

posts on Health