An article published in the Lancet that is written by economists, global health experts, physicists, and physicians explores the adaptive nature of the pandemic and whether the goals of elimination should be replaced with mitigation. They discuss the impact of factors such as governance, equity, cost-benefit, and epidemiology on the course of the pandemic and what should the next steps be. Read the full article here.
COP26 is asking for net zero carbon, but what is the alternative to fossil fuels?
The demand on coal and natural gas is global, and supply is mainly concentrated in the northern hemisphere. There is no denying that fossil fuels are needed to power homes and industry nor that the demand for energy is reaching an all time high, but phasing them out is simply not possible without creating more disparities unless a feasible alternative is found. A few countries have successfully phased out coal but many others are ramping up production and development to meet the increasing demands of globalization. Can the world truly be free of fossil fuels? Read the full article here.
Identifying causal relationships in barriers that delay recovery efforts after hurricanes in the US.
A study by Rouhanizadeha Behzad, Kermanshachi Sharareh and Safapour Elnaz combine a literature review, expert interviews, and social network analysis to identify the barriers in recovery after a hurricane event. They find that misalignment in policies is the biggest and most important barrier, however, there are many gaps in the literature and few studies offer frameworks or strategies to reduce the impact of the challenges that cause delays. The authors also offer a conceptual framework by developing a prioritization list of the barriers and a brief guide to mitigation strategies on how to address the issues.
Read the full article here.
NYU updates the COVID-19 testing and vaccination data
A safer way to celebrate the holidays
The CDC published guidelines to safely celebrate the holidays and since holiday season is nearly here, this is a good opportunity to find out what the latest updates are on COVID-19 prevention and protection. The guidelines emphasize continued facemask use when indoors, promoting vaccination of eligible individuals, and avoiding gathering if symptomatic or feeling unwell.
Read the full guidelines here.
Key updates on United Nations Climate Change Conference
Get dynamic updates on COP26 here.
Living in 50°C is a reality for some
Unbearable global warming is here, where the vulnerable and resilient alike are unable to sustain their lives and livelihoods despite years of adaptation.
Read the real stories of what it is like to live in unsustainable conditions here.
The 1.5°C window is closing fast
President Alok Sharma urges political leaders to commit to reducing the worst impacts of climate change and to keep the $100 billion delivery plan goal a key priority.
Read the COP26 publication here.
G20 Rome Leaders’ Declaration avoids the issue of fossil fuels but reinforce commitment to SDG’s
The meeting in Rome on October 30th and 31st focused on many aspects of economy and health. Namely, the G20’s commitment to the SDGs and universal health coverage, COVID-19 and COVAX, food security and nutrition, the Paris agreement, and other areas impacting the social determinants of health. However, they missed the mark on addressing real mitigation strategies to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Read the declaration here.
Financial incentives did not increase COVID-19 vaccination rates.
A randomized trial assessing the impact of financial incentives, exposure to various public health messages, an appointment scheduler, and a control group was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.
The findings suggest that financial incentives and public health messages focusing on the adverse consequences of remaining unvaccinated may have a negative effect on intention to vaccinate and vaccination rates in some subgroups.
Read the full study here.