ASI5/CE5/UC7

Biometeorology (co-organized)
Convener: Andreas Matzarakis  | Co-Convener: Tanja Cegnar 
Oral Programme
 / Thu, 13 Sep, 11:30–13:00  / Room A3
Poster Programme
 / Attendance Thu, 13 Sep, 10:30–11:30  / Display Mon, 10 Sep, 09:00–Fri, 14 Sep, 13:00  / First Floor

This session aims at dealing with the topic of biometeorology as the interactions between atmospheric processes and humans beings in an interdisciplinary manner. The core question is how atmospheric conditions impact the well-being and health of humans, and how to transfer such knowledge in a widely understandable way in order to ensure the appropriate use of such information. Atmospheric conditions include both transient ones driven by weather patterns and long-term climatology as well as how potential climate change trends may affect these interactions.

In this context, we will discuss the heat health watch warning systems and measures in place to mitigate adverse impacts, and models used to evaluate the heat load and cold stress on organisms. This will include the thermal component from the environment, but also the actinic and chemical components of the stress.

In addition, the session will consider the impacts of weather processes on human well-being and health. Since several methods are in use to compile bio-weather forecasts, we are looking forward to discussing such approaches and the way to convey such information to the public, but also to special target groups.

The session will also address efforts to combine different environmental impacts on humans into one single index, as it is well known that humans react to the whole mix of atmospheric stimuli. Our aim is to improve the requested information and to look for more efficient ways of conveying the message on a regular basis in order to enable citizens to make the best use of such information in their everyday activities.