Assessing economic damage to the health care system caused by climate change (through the example of Moscow)

Abstract

Aim. The presented study aims to assess economic damage to the health care system caused by climate change in Moscow.Tasks. The authors examine methods for assessing economic damage to the health care system caused by climate change; describe research methodology; assess economic damage to the health care system caused by climate change in Moscow in 2010–2020.Methods. To assess economic damage, this study uses the method of calculating the cost of the disease and the methodology of the World Health Organization (WHO), which involves analyzing many statistical indicators of the health care system collected by national statistical agencies. The period of study is from 2010 to 2020.Results. Climate change in Moscow can cause significant economic damage, which varies depending on the number of dangerous weather events from 0.05 to 5.63% of Moscow’s gross regional product (GRP) (7.78–471.87 billion rubles). The greatest economic damage was in 2010, when the number of days with dangerous weather events in Moscow exceeded 180 days.Conclusions. Significant economic damage to the health care system caused by climate change in Moscow manifested by dangerous weather events calls for an effective climate policy. Further studies should assess the city’s current climate policy, focusing on the implementation of adaptation measures and recommendations for its improvement.