Green Economic Development can be Good for Health

HEALTH 079 s concerns mount over the long-term risks of climate change to the planet’s health, there is a wave of interest in “green” economic development among UN and multi-lateral aid agencies, national governments and industry. But can “green” economic... More

HEALTH 079 s concerns mount over the long-term risks of climate change to the planet’s health, there is a wave of interest in “green” economic development among UN and multi-lateral aid agencies, national governments and industry. But can “green” economic initiatives also yield more immediate public health benefits? Early findings emerging from a new series of global reviews by WHO of climate change mitigation policies in key economic sectors say “yes”, health can be a winner in greener development strategies. Well-designed initiatives that curb greenhouse gas emissions in energy, residential construction, transport, and agricultural systems can not only enhance global public health, but also improve health among poor populations and save scarce health resources – in a relatively short time frame. Better understanding of the multiple “win-win” health and climate benefits that could be obtained from mitigation could help build support for existing and future climate change agreements Less