Health, housing and ecological justice: Climate change and preventing homelessness deaths

Exploring the health risks to homeless communities posed by increasingly frequent extreme weather caused by climate change.

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Background

As our climate changes, extreme weather events are occurring more frequently and with greater severity posing serious risks to homeless communities.

People experiencing homelessness face a number of structural inequalities, making them highly vulnerable to adverse health effects related to extreme weather. These inequalities include a lack of safe and secure housing, increased risk of chronic health conditions and substance misuse, social exclusion preventing access to public spaces, and limited supports and resources. During periods of extreme weather, the complex interplay between these challenges can lead to further deteriorations in health.