Office Address:
Room 1116 Mayo
Mailing Address:
420 Delaware St SE
MMC 807 Mayo
Minneapolis, MN
Hyun Kim, ScD
Associate Professor, Division of Environmental Health Sciences
Education
ScD, Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
MSc, Epidemiology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
BS, Physics, Dongguk University
Summary
My main research goal is to guard and to improve human health from climate change impacts and climate-induced disasters, by providing epidemiologic evidence, applying policy interventions, and implementing climate resilient infrastructure for both soft and hard. I conduct research in areas affected by climate-induced disasters and engage in field work in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member state governments. Some highlights of my past and ongoing projects include conducting climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessments (Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati), developing WHO’s global guidance on Technologies for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare Facilities, developing multi-million Green Climate Fund (the largest UN climate funding mechanism) proposals (Vietnam, the Philippines, Mongolia, Lao People's Democratic Republic) and advising and implementing national health infrastructure, including the implementation of the Early Warning and Response Systems for climate change sensitive diseases, climate resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) systems, renewable energy options, and climate informed health information systems in healthcare facilities and health systems.
Currently I am managing two large climate change and health adaptation projects through WHO in Fiji and Kiribati. The Strengthening Health Adaptation Project: Responding to Climate Change in Fiji (SHAPE, 5.5 million USD) and the making health adaptation for the future resilient islands - Kiribati outer islands for climate health action (te ma mauri Kiribati, 6 million USD). Both projects are aiming 1) implementation of climate change and health policies at the national level, 2) climate resilient health systems building, and 3) provision of training and education for healthcare workers and community members for sustainable protection from climate risks. In addition, I have initiated, involved, or leading various climate change and health adaptation projects including supporting North Korea’s climate resilience building through NGOs, protecting workers from climate risks with labor unions, and conducting Health Impact Assessments for air quality in 10 ASEAN countries.
Expertise
Epidemiologic methods in injury, disasters, occupational health, climate change vulnerability and adaptation assessment, Policies on climate change and health, climate financing, global health, and planetary health.
Awards and Recognition
- Climate change and Health Resilience. The Pacific Basin Consortium for Environment and Health, Jeju, ROK, 2022. Opening Address Keynote speaker
- Advancing Health Equity - Public Health Solutions for Climate Change. Annual Health Disparities Round Table, Minneapolis, USA, 2022. Keynote speaker
- “Climate change adaptation technologies for health”, 2022 Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community (G-STIC), Dubai, UAE, 2022. Panel
- “Climate change: Many pathways to health impacts”, 2022 Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Community (G-STIC), Dubai, UAE, 2022. Panel
- “Climate change policy in North Korea”, 2021 UEA Yeosu Summit, Invited Speaker, 2021, Panel
- Climate Change Induced Disasters, Displacement, and Mental Health. The First National Occupational and Environmental Health Forum, Manila, the Philippines, 2018. Keynote speaker
- Emergency Responders and Climate Change. The 5th International Conference for Occupational and Environmental Health, Hanoi, Vietnam, 2018. Keynote speaker
- After Hurricane Sandy, implementation of the expanded syndromic surveillance for recovery workers and residents. The 23nd International Conference on Epidemiology in Occupational Health, Netherlands, 2013. Plenary session speaker
- Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health
- Scholarship Award, Department of Work Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Student Travel Award (Top 10 best abstracts), Society for Epidemiologic Research
- Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Korean Graduate Student Association, University of Massachusetts Lowell
More Information
Accordions