Climate Change, Coastal Waters and Health: Risks and Solutions

To understand climate-health impacts and learn from experts shaping adaptation.

Understand how climate change is affecting coastal waters and the health of communities living near them. Rising temperatures, changing water quality, and shifting pathogen patterns create new public health challenges worldwide.

This course helps you understand these connections, from waterborne infections and bacteria to adaptation planning and policy responses. You’ll explore scientific evidence, assessment tools, and practical solutions without needing a technical background.

About BlueAdapt

BlueAdapt is an 11-partner European research project exploring how climate and environmental change affect coastal waters and human health, and how we can better understand and reduce these risks. The project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Understand climate and coastal health connections

Learn how climate change alters coastal environments and why those changes matter for public health. You’ll explore the science behind waterborne infections, bacteria, and viruses in coastal settings.Understanding these foundations helps you recognise the health risks facing coastal communities.

Explore assessment tools and frameworks

Discover methods used to study and respond to climate-related health impacts, including models, health impact assessment and the One Health framework. You’ll learn how these approaches can support better decisions.

Apply adaptation strategies in practice

Examine early warning systems, adaptation planning, and policy responses that reduce risks in coastal areas. Through case studies from Europe, you’ll see how different regions address climate and health challenges.

By the end, you’ll connect science, policy, and practical action to support coastal community resilience.

This course is ideal for academics, researchers, students, and early-career professionals working in climate, health, environment, or coastal management seeking practical adaptation knowledge.

This course is ideal for academics, researchers, students, and early-career professionals working in climate, health, environment, or coastal management seeking practical adaptation knowledge.

• Explain how climate change affects coastal and marine environments and the implications for human health.
• Evaluate the links between environmental change, water quality, and health risks, including waterborne infections.
• Identify key tools and approaches used to assess, model, and value health impacts in coastal contexts.
• Apply One Health and adaptation frameworks to real-world coastal and health-related challenges.
• Evaluate adaptation interventions, early warning systems, and policy-relevant solutions using case studies from Europe.