Gunther Reisinger
Digital technologies can contribute to preventing climate-related health risks if they are designed in a user-centred, transparent and inclusive manner. Digital Humanism provides a suitable ethical framework for this purpose.
BACKGROUND: Climate change, demographic change and digitalisation jointly influence public health and health-care systems. Older people are particularly vulnerable to climate-related health risks and are also more frequently affected by digital exclusion.
OBJECTIVE: This article presents the KliMATE project as an applied example to show how digital and analogue interventions can promote climate, health and digital literacy. In addition, key design principles are discussed in the context of Digital Humanism.
METHODS/APPROACH: Conceptual analysis combined with project-based experience from developing an intervention consisting of a Progressive Web App and participatory formats.
RESULTS/IMPLICATIONS: Initial experience shows that low-threshold access, the combination of digital and social formats, and participatory development are crucial for acceptance. Project materials also indicate that KliMATE purposefully links physical activity, climate-adapted training planning, social commitment and low-threshold digital support.
CONCLUSION: Digital technologies can contribute to preventing climate-related health risks if they are designed in a user-centred, transparent and inclusive manner. Digital Humanism provides a suitable ethical framework for this purpose.