APPENDIX A
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW PROTOCOL

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Please describe your work and experience in the climate space specifically as it relates to the intersections of the climate crisis, health, and equity.
2. From your perspective, what new and inspiring mechanisms are needed to support the transformative research and innovation that will preserve and protect human health, well-being, and equity as they relate to climate change?
3. As you know, climate science in general is interdisciplinary, and highlighting gaps and emphasizing areas where more research and exploration is needed is crucial for enhancing our ability to mitigate and adapt to climate change effectively. When thinking about your work and the reflections you just shared, what research gaps have you identified and/or discovered as it relates to intersections around the climate crisis, health, and equity?
4. How can we promote transdisciplinary research at the intersection of climate change and health?
5. Can you share more about data accessibility and who has access to the resources and research needed to mitigate climate related issues?
6. What are your thoughts on the gaps cited by your colleagues above?
7. What additional research is needed to understand the direct and indirect effects of health risks associated with the changing climate?

8. What research are you aware of that innovates as it relates to actions to develop the infrastructure for work at the intersection of climate change, health, and equity? Specifically around:
   • methods development, ranging from modeling methods to health impact assessment approaches to mitigation
   • training and career pathways and centers of excellence
   • innovative funding mechanisms across both federal agencies and private funders that promote crosscutting research needs
   • and institutional innovations

FUNDING AND COMMUNICATION

9. Where should research dollars for climate, health, and equity be specifically directed?
10. How can we leverage innovative funding mechanisms, such as a public- and private-sector partnership, or draw on existing models of federal agency partnerships, such as NIH-NSF efforts?
11. How can stakeholders leverage institutional innovations to promote interdisciplinary research, such as the creation of Centers of Excellence?
12. From your perspective, where do you think most people get their information about climate change, health, and equity?
13. It is critical that climate change and health research be translated for maximum impact. Stakeholders should consider how to ensure that research findings can be communicated to diverse audiences. Researchers and research funders should engage experts in communication science. Ensuring uptake of research findings among policymakers should be an important area of focus. What kind of information do you think should go in our portal given our goal of amplifying research gaps?
14. If you could design a dream web portal amplifying research gaps around climate change, health, and equity what are some key components? How would it look?

POLICY AND ADVOCACY GAPS

15. What policy changes or advocacy efforts are needed to address climate and equity gaps?
    1. Can you discuss the role of government, nongovernmental organizations, and community-based organizations in advocating for equitable climate solutions?

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

It is critically important that research take into account the effects, needs, and values of communities impacted by climate change. Traditional academia has much to learn from practices of Indigenous communities in long-term, sustainable decision making and respect for the bond we have with nature and the environment.

16. From your perspective, how are communities using research to effectively drive change as it relates to climate, health, and equity?
17. How are communities, especially marginalized ones, being involved in decision-making processes related to climate action?
    1. Are there successful models of community-driven climate initiatives that you can share?
18. What role does environmental justice play in addressing climate and equity gaps?

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