AMS Community Synthesis on Geohealth

The Earth system and human health are inextricably linked. In this period of widespread and rapid global change, understanding the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of health, geoscience, and the Earth system (broadly termed “geohealth”) has taken on a new level of importance. Scientific discovery and innovation can play a key role in helping humanity understand and respond to environmental, technological, and societal drivers of global changes so as to enable security, prosperity, and positive health outcomes for all.

This American Meteorological Society Policy Program study synthesizes input from the AMS community on the various connections, gaps, and opportunities that currently exist at the geohealth interface. It was carried out in an accelerated time frame in response to a request from the National Science Foundation for rapid community input. Through these community discussions this study identifies: 1) a set of critical throughlines for effective convergence in geohealth research, 2) overarching challenges that currently impede progress, and 3) potential solution areas where significant progress might be made quickly.