Preparedness through partnership : integrating climate change and public health in the City of Boston
Name
1054129415-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
23.41 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
f3608730daf15607be2658847b2c2396
Author(s)
Greenspan-Johnston, Johanna R
Advisor(s)
Ceasar McDowell.
Alternative Title
Integrating climate change and public health in the City of Boston
Date Issued
2018
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
In coordination with the City of Boston's Environment Department and Public Health Commission, this thesis examines the intersection between climate change adaptation and public health preparedness in Boston, proposing a cross-disciplinary integration of methods and concepts to strengthen both functions, thereby improving the preparedness and resilience of all residents. This thesis reviews the current role of public health in local climate adaption and preparedness, highlighting climate-related human health impacts specific to Boston's geographic setting, vulnerable populations, and current planning efforts, to identify opportunities for expanded and enhanced action. Lessons for Boston are drawn from an in-depth review of nine other U.S. cities and counties' relevant or innovative programs, strategies, and experiences. Grounded in an institutional context through engagement with and observations of the City of Boston's interdepartmental extreme temperature planning process, the research draws lessons, illustrative case studies, and recommendations for strategic planning and coordination to strengthen capacity, improve communication, and mitigate risk. Major themes presented include: the development of a professional workforce knowledgeable about climate-health and invested in taking action; the broad role public health can play in communicating, evaluating and mitigating the human impacts of climate change; and the potential for local agencies' strategic use of innovative external partnerships, data-driven analysis, and targeted yet adaptive planning processes to utilize limited resources for more responsive, efficient, and equitable climate-health actions.
Description
Thesis: M.C.P., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, 2018.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages [62]-[65]).
Subjects
Urban Studies and Planning.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Urban Studies and Planning
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