New guideline focuses on addressing everyday climate-linked health risks

China has issued a new guideline to strengthen the development of meteorological health services, seeking to better integrate climate resources with healthcare, tourism and related industries, authorities said.

The guideline, jointly released by seven departments including the China Meteorological Administration, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, is aimed at addressing everyday climate-related health concerns, such as joint pain aggravated by cold waves and pollen allergies in spring and autumn.

"People are paying increasing attention to proactive health management rather than only seeking treatment when they are sick," said Wang Xiurong, a senior meteorological expert at the CMA.

According to the World Allergy Organization, about 30 percent of the world's population suffers from allergic diseases, and China has an estimated 250 million people with allergic rhinitis.

During last spring and autumn, demand for allergy-related medical treatment in northern China surged. The affected population expanded, and allergic diseases appeared earlier and with greater intensity than in previous years.

Authorities in many regions have taken measures to reduce pollen concentrations, including trimming branches, spraying water and moistening the ground. In Beijing, the municipal forestry and parks bureau washes cypress trees in key parks and forested areas three times a day to prevent large clouds of pollen from forming.

In response to public concerns, the guideline calls for strengthening pollen allergy prevention and addressing other climate-related health risks. It also urges the development of insurance products that take into account indicators such as heat, cold, pollen concentration and influenza trends.

Risk warning systems tailored to different regions, seasons and population groups will also be improved, the guideline said, highlighting the expansion of meteorological services for elderly care.

Older people are a key target group for meteorological healthcare services because they are particularly vulnerable to weather and climate conditions, Wang said.

Under the guideline, elderly residents will receive dedicated climate health guidance. Local authorities are required to publish climate indicators related to health risks for seniors and issue tailored health recommendations, with a focus on providing precise services for nursing institutions as well as elderly people living alone at home.

Pilot projects will also introduce comprehensive meteorological healthcare services that integrate elderly care, exercise and tourism to address health challenges linked to population aging.

Wang Yawei, head of the emergency disaster reduction and public service department at the CMA, said that following the release of the guideline, "the top priority is to get a clear picture of the country's climate-based health resources".

China has abundant climate and ecological resources suitable for health-related uses, and the new measures aim to turn these advantages into economic, social and ecological benefits.

Authorities will carry out nationwide surveys and evaluations of climate-based health resources and produce a unified map, according to the guideline.

Wang said regions should use the climate health resource map to develop distinctive local models, such as dry climate recuperation programs in northwestern regions to avoid heat, and forest-based health programs in the southwest to support recovery from chronic diseases, providing diversified and high-quality services.

The guideline also calls for integrating meteorological services with tourism and traditional Chinese medicine to explore new health service models. It adds that efforts will be made to develop climate livability services to turn favorable weather conditions into competitive advantages for local development.

zhaoyimeng@chinadaily.com.cn