NEWS An extreme cloudburst brings an entire community to a standstill. In an interdisciplinary panel discussion, researchers meet with Sweden’s Ambassador for Global Health to explore how we manage climate-related crises from a health perspective – and what consequences these events have for people, the environment and society. You can watch the fictional scenario and the full discussion via UMU Play.
A discussion between researchers at Umeå University and Sweden’s Ambassador for Global Health, moderated by Sverker Olofsson
ImageHeavy rain has poured down over the small community of Bergsvik in Sweden. As whole neighbourhoods become submerged, vital societal functions are knocked out. Mobile networks falter, electrical substations flood, and drinking water becomes contaminated as the sewage system is overwhelmed. At care homes, the most vulnerable residents are evacuated in darkness and without lifts, and when the water reaches classroom floors, primary schools are forced to close. The crisis is undeniable.
Although this is a fictional scenario, it reflects situations that Swedish towns may face as the impacts of climate change intensify and local adaptation measures prove insufficient. In an interdisciplinary conversation, researchers from ecology, philosophy, medicine, global health and virology come together to explore how such a scenario can be understood and managed from a health perspective. The discussion focuses on which groups are most affected, which ethical, social and biological dimensions must be considered, and how the research community can contribute to improved preparedness.
Together, they reflect on climate change and societal vulnerabilities, but also on trust, responsibility and how knowledge can be translated into practical crisis management. Through their different perspectives, the complexity of climate-related crises becomes clear – as does the need for interdisciplinary solutions.
The discussion is moderated by Sverker Olofsson, with the following panel members:
Watch the full 90-minute discussion via Umu Play, English subtitles are available: The Cloudburst in Bergsvik 2035
The seminar is organised in collaboration between Umeå Transformation Research Initiative (UTRI) and Sustainable Health in Partnership (SHIP) as part of the dialogue series New Perspectives on Sustainable Health. The planning and facilitation of the dialogue were carried out by Maria Nilsson, Professor of Public Health, and Annika Egan Sjölander, Professor of Media Studies.