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Leeds Climate-Health Network

The role of climate change in health is a rapidly growing area of international, national and regional importance. Expertise across the climate–health nexus is increasingly in demand both within and beyond academia. 

The Leeds Climate-Health Network brings together leading expertise from across the University of Leeds. Our members represent a range of disciplines, including weather and climate science, medicine, epidemiology, policy, social science and public health. 

The network fosters an interdisciplinary research community, enabling agile responses to funding opportunities and supporting collaboration across fields. We also promote early-career development, interdisciplinary learning, and knowledge exchange. 

If you are interested in working with us on climate and health challenges, please contact Professor Cathryn Birch ([email protected]). 

Our expertise

Climate extremes and health

We have extensive expertise in weather and climate impact science. We attribute health outcomes, such as mortality and pre-term birth, to extreme heat using state-of-the-art climate modelling. We assess human exposure to environmental hazards, including poor air quality. We have expertise in big data, AI and Early Warning System development.

Climate-resilient built environment

We consider the resilience of buildings to climate change, particularly within the context of the net zero transition and human health. We assess the health benefits of green spaces from within local cities to tropical rainforest. We have expertise in climate, water infrastructure and public health, and study the resilience of health care systems to climate change.

Climate change and infectious disease

We hold expertise in the role of climate change in antimicrobial resistance. We are experts in pathogen transmission. We work to improve malaria and yellow fever transmission predictions by integrating health, hydrology and climate information.

Current and past research

Healthy Buildings Network

A University of Leeds initiative that fosters interdisciplinary research and collaboration to improve indoor environments, enhancing health, wellbeing, and sustainability in buildings.

Climate change and antimicrobial resistance

CLIMAR is a UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research network that brings together diverse experts to investigate links between climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental factors, addressing global health challenges through collaborative, cross-sector approaches.

Home Environment Solutions through Technology and Innovation for All

HESTIA focuses on developing low-carbon home environments that improve indoor environmental quality, health, wellbeing, and equity through innovative technologies and collaborative housing design.

Health Impacts of Indoor Learning Environments Under Net Zero

CHILI investigates how low‑carbon, energy‑efficient school buildings affect indoor environments, air quality, and children’s health, aiming to create healthier, sustainable learning spaces.

Food Systems Transformation in Southern Africa for One Health

FoSTA‑Health investigates how food system changes in southern Africa affect human, animal, and environmental health, using a One Health approach and stakeholder‑driven, systems-based analysis.

National Hub on Net Zero, Health and Extreme Heat

HEARTH is a national research hub that develops evidence, tools, and solutions to reduce extreme heat risks and enhance health co‑benefits of the net‑zero transition in prisons, care homes, social housing and hospitals.

Developing solutions for temperature-related health impacts in the UK

THERM‑UK develops evidence, models, and solutions to understand and reduce climate‑related temperature health impacts in the UK, supporting policy, adaptation, and resilience planning.

Leeds Climate-Health Network Co-Chairs

Chair: Professor Cathryn Birch

Professor Cathryn Birch

Co-chair: Dr Bassey Ebenso

Co-chair: Dr Coralie Adams

Co-chair: Dr Sudha Raman

Dr Sudha Raman