The Observatorio Pirenaico del Cambio Climático is actively involved in the MOUNTADAPT project, an initiative Co-financed by the European Union, through its Horizon Europe “Climate, Energy and Mobility” program, aims at strengthening healthcare systems in mountain regions across Europe. Since June, OPCC has been collaborating with 27 diverse partners, including healthcare providers, health public authorities, and universities, to address the impacts of climate change on human health in the Pyrenees.

👉 Key Contributions of OPCC in MOUNTADAPT

One of OPCC’s most significant contributions to MOUNTADAPT has been the development of the In-depth Investigation on the Connection Between Climate Change and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). In particular, OPCC has focused on compiling the state-of-the-art scientific evidence regarding how climate change is impacting the health of residents in the Pyrenees Mountain range. By conducting a systematic literature review and compiling the results, OPCC aims to create a robust evidence base that will inform future climate adaptation strategies.

The investigation has uncovered several trends that highlight the urgency of climate action:

1. Longer Allergen Seasons: Rising temperatures in the Pyrenees are extending pollen seasons, particularly for ragweed. This is exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma, placing greater strain on public health services.
2. Worsening Air Quality: Climate change is increasing levels of ozone and particulate matter, particularly in southern and central Europe. This leads to more hospital admissions and higher mortality rates linked to lung diseases.
3. New Disease Risks: Higher temperatures are expanding the range of disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes and ticks, to higher altitudes. This creates a serious risk of spreading vector-borne diseases like visceral and cutaneous forms, especially in areas like Andorra and French Ariège.
4. Mountain Gravitational Hazards: Thawing permafrost and destabilizing slopes in the Pyrenees are increasing the risk of landslides and avalanches, endangering the users of infrastructure, leisure and tourism activities..
5. Natural and Climatic Hazards: The increasing severity of heatwaves, fires, and and floods is aggravating health problems in mountain regions and puts the spotlight on prevention systems. Vulnerability is rising as limited access to essential services hinders the ability to respond effectively to these compounded risks.

🏔️Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Next Steps

The report highlights significant gaps in existing literature, particularly the lack of long-term, region-specific data on climate-induced health impacts. For example, there is a shortage of studies addressing the direct health consequences of changing biodiversity, such as the spread of sandflies or waterborne diseases in the Pyrenees. These gaps need to be filled to better understand the health risks posed by climate change in mountain regions.

📢 Collaborative Effort for a Resilient Future

The MOUNTADAPT project’s contributions to it underscore the importance of collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to address the complex health challenges posed by climate change. OPCC is committed to continuing its vital work in improving resilience to climate impacts, and it will ensure that the Pyrenees’ inhabitants and ecosystems are better prepared for the future.

Stay tuned for further updates on the MOUNTADAPT website.