Evaluating climate and health interventions to maximize net benefits

What problem are we trying to solve? 

Policymakers face difficult choices when deciding which climate solutions to fund and implement, given that the problems are enormous while the financial and other resources available are limited. Our work supports these decisions by developing and applying systematic, evidence-based approaches to compare the benefits and costs of alternative interventions. The results can then be used by decision makers and advocates to determine how to best allocate resources to ensure that climate actions are as effective as possible. 

A major challenge is that climate change is altering the calculus for interventions that may, or may not, have appeared cost-beneficial in the past. It also leads to the need to consider  innovative interventions not previously assessed. For example:  

• Interventions that use new technology (e.g., to generate energy) need to be assessed and compared to alternatives to determine which are likely to yield the largest net benefits. 
• Interventions that were previously less important (e.g., to reduce heat stress) may now lead to more substantial net benefits. 
• Interventions focused on other issues (e.g., emissions of conventional air pollutants) often yield climate co-benefits, increasing their overall net benefits and relative importance. 
• Interventions that were previously assessed may need to be re-evaluated to address the implications of climate change (e.g., the impact of extreme weather on infrastructure projects), altering the relationship of costs to benefits. 

These analyses are useful at the local, state, national, regional, and international levels. For example, a city may be considering an infrastructure project in a location that currently seems suitable but that is likely to flood in the future as sea levels rise. The costs and benefits of these longer-term consequences associated with climate change need to be considered in local planning. Internationally, as countries seek ways to meet the Paris Agreement emissions goals, benefit-cost analysis can help identify the most effective investments, including those that provide substantial health co-benefits in the near-term while mitigating long-term increases in global temperature. 

What climate and health solution are we researching?  

Our work includes two major threads. The first focuses on improving the methods used in benefit-cost analysis; the second focuses on using both conventional and innovative methods to evaluate the costs and benefits of a wide range of climate solutions. 

To improve benefit-cost analysis methods, we explore the advantages and limitations of the underlying conceptual framework, identify best practices, and draft related guidance. For example, we developed reference case guidelines for benefit-cost analysis in low- and middle-income countries, as well as guidance for analyses conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We are also exploring innovative methods for conducting equity-sensitive benefit–cost analysis and alternative approaches for assessing the effects of policies on individuals and society.  

To evaluate the benefits and costs of interventions globally, we are assessing interventions implemented outside the health care system that significantly improve public health in low- and middle-income countries, taking into account the effects of climate change. We are reviewing and synthesizing the literature across numerous policy areas, including ambient and household air pollution; water, sanitation, and hygiene; agriculture and nutrition; and other areas that impact, or are impacted by, climate change. We will use consistent methods to assess these interventions to identify those that are likely to lead to the largest net benefits in different countries and contexts. 

What’s the level of impact?

Our work is used by decision makers at every level. Government agencies and intergovernmental organizations rely on these analyses to inform local, regional, national, and international policies. Foundations and other funders rely on the results to determine how to best invest to improve health and reduce climate impacts. Ultimately, these analyses can lead to policies and interventions that substantially improve individual wellbeing and societal welfare. 

Who will this research benefit?

Everyone benefits from evidence-based policies that carefully consider how climate change may impact our future. Improving the methods used in these analyses increases the extent to which they provide useful information for decision makers, in turn leading to more welfare-enhancing decisions. Similarly, improving and increasing the analyses of climate adaptation and mitigation measures expands the information available on alternative investments, supporting more welfare-enhancing allocation of resources. 

Where is the research happening?

These projects involve collaboration by a global network of researchers, to assess interventions that can be implemented around the world. 

What data resources can people use as a result of this project?

Our work has led to pragmatic guidance that can be implemented by researchers globally. In addition to benefit-cost analyses of individual interventions that are useful for specific policy decisions, we are developing a database of previously completed benefit-cost analyses in low- and middle-income countries, that can be referenced by those interested in identifying cost-beneficial solutions. Researchers will also be able to use the database to identify gaps and target future research. 

Learn more

C-CHANGE team