Many standards have been adopted for air pollution impact assessments, without clear evidence on how they relate to the health effects. However, results of numerous epidemiological studies from many parts of the world conducted in recent years have shown that the thermal environment is of comparable relevance for health and well-being of people, at least in developed countries. This depends on air temperature, humidity, wind velocity and radiant fluxes, with due consideration given to the insulation effect of clothing. It is thus obvious that both direct and indirect effects of climate on health are important. This includes heat load, cold stress, air pollution, UV-radiation, infectious diseases, nutrition, potable water and effects related to disasters.
Bioclimatological knowledge is especially applicable in various kinds of climate-related planning.
When applied in connection with environmental protection planning this will contribute to improved climate and clean air conditions. The target is to provide for healthy conditions for life and work, especially in urban environments. It is thus important to consider these potential changes in urban planning analyses. Bioclimatological assessments, based on climate information and the results of boundary layer models coupled with physiologically significant energy budget models of human beings, can provide valuable information to urban planners, authorities, health professionals, and other decision makers. National Meteorological and Hydrological Services can facilitate the provision of these types of climate services which will benefit both the economic decisions and the resulting comfort of the future urban population.