Connecting the dots: Researching intersectionality and health in the climate crisis

Abstract

Health systems need to reduce their environmental impact and adapt to changing circumstances, such as increasing health problems caused by the ecological crisis. Research into relationships between climate, environment, health and health care has delivered valuable insights and greatly contributed to increased awareness, knowledge and action. However, one major and serious gap exists when it comes to social justice: issues related to gender and diversity are rarely included in research questions, methodologies and analyses. This long-standing bias amplifies and reproduces unjust policies, prejudiced practices and health disparities. To deliver future-proof solutions in health care it is imperative to consider climate justice in health research. Integrating intersectionality-based research methodologies—including their correspondence with Planetary Health—generates meaningful, applicable knowledge that would otherwise remain neglected. In this paper, we present a preview of “Coloring Connections,” a coloring book that seeks to provide researchers with tools, playful concepts, creative assignments and narratives to integrate gender and intersectionality amidst the climate crisis in their health research.