People and the Environment

Many people live, work, and perform in naturally stressful environments like arid deserts, humid jungles, rough seas, windswept high mountains, and icy tundra. Our researchers have a track record of advancing knowledge and understanding of human performance, health, and adaptation to natural and artificial environmental stressors such as heat, cold, hypoxia, and sunlight.

Our researchers engage in wide-ranging investigations using the purpose-built hypoxia and thermals chambers and during regular research expeditions to the European Alps, Himalaya, and South American Andes. So far, we have investigated the physiological basis underlying responses to short-term and prolonged exposure to environmental stress and novel methods to optimise human performance and health. These research findings have been implemented by organisations including the Ministry of Defence (Army), NHS, the British Mountain Guides and Mountain Rescue England and Wales, and business including Outlook Expeditions, Blizzard Survival, and Camps International. 

In the future, environmental stress is set to effect society evermore due to the challenges of climate change, including a rise in global temperature, and more frequent extreme weather events, like heat waves and cold snaps. Aside from climate change, a greater understanding of the interaction between the environment and humans might be harnessed to improve society's health, well-being, and productivity. IAHP research is well placed to make important future contributions to people and society.