"Bracing for the Next Crisis: Pandemics, Climate Change, and Safeguarding Global Health and Prosperity"

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vulnerabilities of global healthcare systems and the far-reaching consequences of public health crises on economies and societies [1-3]. As we address the aftermath, we must confront the looming threats of future pandemics [4-6] and escalating climate change impacts [7-9] on global health and wealth. This article introduces the Global Health and Prosperity Index (GHPI), a novel index that comprehensively evaluates a nation's preparedness and resilience against public health emergencies, climate change impacts, and economic ramifications. The GHPI encompasses three core domains: pandemic preparedness, climate change resilience, and economic stability and equity. By integrating these domains, the GHPI provides a holistic assessment to inform policy decisions, prioritize resource allocation, and foster international collaboration, ultimately safeguarding health, prosperity, and peace [10,11].