Journal of Health and Climate Change

The Solarization of Rawalpindi Medical University: A Model for Sustainable Campus Energy

2026-02-28T07:26:44+00:00

The implementation of a 500 kVA solar power system across multiple sites within Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), emphasizing environmental, operational, and socioeconomic implications. Highlighting the institutional significance amid Pakistan’s energy transition, it positions RMU as a case study for renewable energy integration in educational settings.

The Urban Flooding in Lahore: A Review of the August 2025 Catastrophe

2026-03-14T04:29:55+00:00

During the last week of August 2025, Lahore faced one of its most devastating flood episodes that was driven by intense monsoon rainfall and abrupt upstream water releases. This review synthesizes current news coverage and pertinent literature to scrutinize the causes, urban vulnerabilities, administrative and managerial responses, public health implications, and technology-based resolutions for flood resilience in urban settings of Lahore. The insights gained and recommended policies will also be shared with the readers.

The Water Storage and Crisis Management in Educational Institutions: A Case Study of Rawalpindi Medical University in the Context of SDG 6

2026-03-02T04:29:47+00:00

Water scarcity is an escalating challenge globally, particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. Healthcare and educational institutions require an uninterrupted and safe water supply to sustain clinical, academic, and residential operations. This review highlights the significance of water storage, crisis management strategies, and sustainable practices, with a focus on Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) as a case study. It discusses infrastructure, environmental relevance, and policy implications in light of recent literature.

The 2025 Cloudburst Crisis in Pakistan: A Narrative Review of Impacts on Human Lives and Livelihood

2026-03-02T08:10:18+00:00

In mid 2025, Pakistan experienced a series of catastrophic cloudburst-driven flash floods and unprecedented monsoon flooding, particularly affecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab. Rapid deluges, exceeding 100 mm per hour in mountainous locales like Buner and Swabi, triggered severe flood surges, landslides, and mass destruction. In KP, more than 320 deaths were recorded, with Punjab enduring its worst floods in decades, affecting up to 2 million people, displacing over 150,000, and causing substantial crop loss and infrastructure collapse. Underlying this crisis were climate-amplified monsoon unpredictability, land-use mismanagement, debilitated infrastructure, and inadequate early warning systems. The human suffering manifested not only in fatalities and economic disruption but also in disease outbreaks, emotional trauma, and food insecurity. This review synthesizes the scientific, social, and policy dimensions of the 2025 cloudburst crisis and sketches imperative approaches for climate-resilient preparedness.

The Heatwaves and Urban Health: Assessing Preparedness and Adaptive Strategies in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2026-03-02T08:18:25+00:00

Heatwaves are increasingly viewed as a significant public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Urban populations in these regions are particularly vulnerable due to their limited ability to adapt. This review examines the health effects of heatwaves in urban areas, assesses preparedness and adaptive strategies, and connects these efforts to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The article specifically emphasizes the importance of SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG13 (Climate Action) in shaping integrated responses. Evidence shows that while some progress has been made in establishing heat-health action plans, there are still major gaps in expanding these initiatives across LMICs. Improving collaboration among sectors, urban planning, and community-based adaptation is crucial for reducing health risks related to heat.

The Climate Change and Global Health: Emerging Threats and Evolving Priorities

2026-02-28T07:21:28+00:00

Climate change represents one of the most significant global public health challenges of the twenty-first century. Increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, food and water insecurity, deteriorating air quality, and the emergence and spread of infectious diseases are increasingly linked to climatic and environmental changes. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, thereby exacerbating existing health inequities. Addressing these challenges requires robust, evidence-based research to identify population vulnerabilities, quantify health impacts, and evaluate the health co-benefits of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Integrating health considerations into national and international climate policies is essential, alongside strengthening climate-resilient health systems through early warning mechanisms, disaster preparedness, and workforce capacity building. A coordinated, cross-sectoral approach is urgently needed to protect human health, reduce inequalities, and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations in the face of ongoing climate change.

A Case Report: Post-Flood Health Impact Following the 2025 Buner Floods in Pakistan

2026-03-03T04:18:54+00:00

The recent floods in different regions of Pakistan caused massive disaster and deaths. The present study is based on the post-flood relief activities done by Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The 2025 floods in District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan has caused extensive collateral damage in terms of deaths, individual displacement, and disruption of the health care facilities. The current report highlights the clinical data related to airborne communicable diseases such as acute respiratory infections, malaria, diarrhea, and skin infections. This case report highlights clinical presentations, healthcare challenges, and climate-related drivers behind the disaster. A total of 500 patients (265 male, 235 female) were assessed in relief camps, with acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malaria, and skin infections being the most frequent. The current study emphasizes the climate change extremities in Buner district, which are life-threatening weather events, and health vulnerabilities faced in such effected area having a very low resource settings and a lack of basic health care facilities.

The RMU-Medicos Aid Society flood relief camp in Haveli Bahadur Shah, Jhang, Punjab

2026-03-03T04:55:01+00:00

Haveli Bahadur Shah serves approximately 18,000 people (51% female, 49% male) through its Rural Health Centre (RHC), with only one Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Kot Mirza located within a 13 km radius besides the RHC itself. Of this population, around 7% are under 2 years of age. In a recent outreach effort between Mallohana and Qaim Bharwana, approximately 700 patients—predominantly from areas surrounding Haveli Bahadur Shah—were treated. Haveli Bahadur Shah West was severely impacted by the Chenab River floods, with skin allergies and conjunctivitis among the most commonly seen ailments.

The RMU-healthcare support & hygiene awareness Campaign in Kharepur Village, District Kasur

2026-03-03T05:03:05+00:00

Background: On 6th October 2025, a medical camp was organized by Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU). The RMU medical team successfully conducted the Day 1 camp at Kharepar Village, District Kasur. During the camp, the team provided medical consultations, essential medicines, and sanitary and hygiene supplies to the flood-affected residents of the area. The initiative aimed to deliver immediate healthcare support and promote hygiene awareness among the affected communities.

The Strengthening Health Systems for Climate Resilience: An Urgent Priority in Pakistan

2026-03-03T05:07:45+00:00

Objective: This short communication highlights the health consequences of the 2025 monsoon floods in Pakistan, situating them within the broader historical trajectory of climate-related calamities and aligning national realities with global climate justice commitments.

Methods: A narrative review of government reports, humanitarian updates, and international policy documents was conducted to examine the health impacts of the 2025 floods and contextualize them with past disasters, including the 2010 and 2022 floods. Pakistan’s commitments at COP 29 were also analysed.

Results: By late August 2025, the floods had claimed over 820 lives, displaced more than one million individuals, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Health impacts extended beyond acute fatalities, with outbreaks of diarrheal and vector-borne diseases, disruption of maternal and chronic disease services, and heightened risks of malnutrition and psychological distress. Damaged facilities, supply chain interruptions, and overstretched health workers further undermined service delivery, echoing systemic weaknesses observed during earlier disasters.

Conclusion: Pakistan’s recurring climate shocks highlight the urgent need to embed resilience into health system strengthening. Climate-proofed infrastructure, robust surveillance, continuity of care, and equitable international financing are critical. Health security in Pakistan is inseparable from climate justice, requiring both national action and sustained global solidarity

The Ecological Risk Factors Contributing to Dengue Fever Prevalence: Rawalpindi Experience

2026-03-03T05:13:55+00:00

The recent floods in different regions of Pakistan caused massive disaster and deaths. The present study is based on the post-flood relief activities done by Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The 2025 floods in District Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, have caused extensive collateral damage in terms of deaths, individual displacement, and disruption of healthcare facilities. The current report highlights clinical data related to airborne communicable diseases, including acute respiratory infections, malaria, diarrhea, and skin infections. This case report highlights clinical presentations, healthcare challenges, and climate-related drivers behind the disaster. A total of 500 patients (265 male, 235 female) were assessed in relief camps, with acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malaria, and skin infections being the most frequent. The current study emphasizes the climate change extremities in Buner district, which are life-threatening weather events, and health vulnerabilities faced in such effected area having a very low resource settings and a lack of basic health care facilities.

A Low-Carbon Campus Planning Through the RMU Green Concrete Matrix: A Sustainable Infrastructure Framework

2026-03-03T05:18:38+00:00

Rapid urbanization and expansion of higher education institutions have significantly altered land-use patterns, often at the cost of environmental sustainability. Universities, as centers of innovation and public leadership, have a responsibility to adopt eco-friendly campus planning models. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the covered and uncovered area matrix of Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU), Pakistan. Using systematic spatial measurement and categorization, the campus land was divided into built-up areas, open concrete spaces, and green zones including grassy lawns and tree-covered areas. Results demonstrate that approximately 62.5% of the campus is under concrete coverage, while nearly 35% is reserved for green and ecological purposes. The findings highlight RMU’s progress toward a green campus model while identifying opportunities for further optimization in line with international sustainability benchmarks.

The Comparison of Plant Species in Miyawaki Forest Versus the Rest of Rawalpindi Medical University Campus: A Green Concrete Matrix Approach

2026-03-03T05:23:32+00:00

Background: Sustainable campus planning is increasingly recognized as a critical strategy for mitigating environmental degradation, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting human well-being within academic institutions. Urban universities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, face significant challenges in balancing infrastructural development with ecological sustainability. Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) has initiated a Green Campus Project incorporating conventional green spaces and an innovative Miyawaki forest model.

Objective: To compare plant species diversity, distribution, and density between the Miyawaki forest and the remaining green areas of RMU as part of the university’s green concrete matrix.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional ecological assessment was conducted using official RMU plantation records and field documentation. All plant species across the campus were identified and quantified. Green spaces were categorized into main campus areas and the Miyawaki forest. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to evaluate species composition and plant density.

Results: A total of 1,263 plants were documented across the RMU campus. Of these, 923 plants (73.1%) were distributed throughout the main campus green areas, while 340 plants (26.9%) were concentrated within the Miyawaki forest. The main campus demonstrated greater species variety, whereas the Miyawaki forest exhibited substantially higher tree density and dominance of native and fruit-bearing species. Several ecologically significant species were exclusively present in the Miyawaki forest, highlighting its role in enhancing biodiversity and ecological efficiency.

Conclusion: The integration of a Miyawaki forest within RMU significantly enhances tree density and ecological value despite limited land area. Combined with diverse conventional green spaces, RMU demonstrates a balanced and sustainable green concrete matrix. Expansion of dense plantation models and strategic green retrofitting may further strengthen environmental resilience and establish RMU as a model for sustainable medical university campuses.

The Climate-Smart Water Management in Religious Settings: Optimizing Ablution Water for Environmental and Public Health Sustainability

2026-03-03T05:31:54+00:00

Background

Religious institutions constitute significant yet underexplored environments for advancing climate-responsive water management strategies. In Islam, ablution (wudu) is a mandatory ritual purification performed before prayer to ensure personal hygiene. Although spiritually fundamental, the frequent daily performance of ablution may result in considerable water consumption, particularly in regions experiencing water stress. Amid escalating climate change impacts, growing water scarcity, and concerns regarding public health sustainability, improving the efficiency of ritual water use has become increasingly critical. This study evaluates ablution practices from a climate-smart perspective to identify opportunities for enhancing water-use efficiency within religious settings.

Methods

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted to assess water-use behaviour during ablution, focusing on duration and volume of water consumed per session. A total of 103 participants who regularly performed ablution and provided informed consent were included. Individuals with physical limitations affecting ablution performance, incomplete sessions, or missing data were excluded. Direct measurements of ablution duration (minutes) and water consumption (litres) were recorded and analysed using descriptive statistical methods. Educational attainment was examined as a potential determinant of water-use efficiency.

Results

Considerable variation in ablution water use was observed across educational groups. Participants with higher educational attainment demonstrated shorter ablution durations and lower average water consumption per session. In contrast, individuals with Matric-level education recorded the longest mean duration (5.77 minutes) and the highest average water use (6.50 L), contributing disproportionately to overall consumption despite representing a smaller proportion of the sample. The overall mean ablution duration and water use were 3.98 minutes and 3.57 L, respectively. The findings indicate an inverse association between educational attainment and water-use efficiency, highlighting behavioural determinants relevant to climate-smart water management

Conclusion

The findings reveal an inverse association between educational level and water consumption during ablution, suggesting that education plays a key role in fostering efficient water-use behavior. These results highlight the importance of targeted educational and awareness initiatives to promote sustainable ablution practices and support broader water conservation strategies.

The Picture of the Issue

2026-03-03T06:01:14+00:00

The Miyawaki Forest of Rawalpindi Medical University consists of 340 plant species that provide exceptional tree density and ecological efficiency. Together, these components form a balanced green concrete matrix that aligns with international sustainable campus standards. Miyawaki forests are dense, fast-growing forests that are created by planting native trees in proximity. The method was developed in the 1970s by Japanese forest ecologist Akira Miyawaki.