Research ethics committees and regulation of climate change and health research

Abstract

Research has become essential in addressing the effects of climate change on human health and that of the biosphere. However, the ethical regulation of such research remains insufficiently developed, particularly with the current consolidation of research ethics committees as the reference standard to review and approve of health research. Unlike human-centred health research, climate and health research extends beyond humans to include biotic and abiotic components. This aspect challenges the human-centred approach to ethics that has traditionally defined the role of research ethics committees. In this analysis, we seek to re-examine the role of these committees in guaranteeing the ethical review of climate change and health research and the possibility of extending beyond its limited, human-centred scope. We also discuss the ethical concerns and considerations from the global and African-centred perspective that research ethics committees should address. We recommend that institutions hosting these committees implement two initiatives. First, restructure research ethics committees to include experts in climate change and health, as well as activists and representatives of Indigenous communities who are knowledgeable about the links between health and climate. Second, support initiatives to build the capacity of committee members, for example by developing training curricula on climate change and health research. These curricula should aim to strengthen the ability of committees to identify and address key issues including justice, intergenerational ethics and community-specific norms and values.