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| The Health Sector on the Front Lines |
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In the age of climate change, the health sector finds itself on the front lines, confronting and adapting to a changing landscape and shifting burden of disease. By working to reduce carbon pollution in the atmosphere, while developing forward looking adaptation strategies, we can protect human health, saving lives and money. Indeed, the health sector can play a leadership role in developing and modeling climate solutions for the rest of society. |
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| Reports & Publications |
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Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda is a document that sets out to support existing efforts around the world to promote greater sustainability and environmental health in the health sector, and thereby to strengthen health systems globally.
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| Notice: The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of Health Care Without Harm concerning the legal, social, economic status of any country, territory, city of area or of its authorities. The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. Online articles and links might expire days after their release date. |
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| Building Sustainable Health Systems: Focus on Climate Resilience |
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| Source WHO |
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| To coincide with the UN Climate Change Talks WHO hosted a high level side event called Building Sustainable Health Systems: Focus on Climate Resilience. The side event, aimed to promote a sustainable development approach to safeguard and improve health, was moderated by Maria Neira from WHO. Neira emphasized health must be part of the climate agenda, discussing climate-sensitive health risks, policies to improve health equity and address climate change, and improved health as a way to strengthen resilience. She highlighted increased donor engagement, technical support, and regional and national initiatives. more |
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| Global: Health Must Be Central to Climate Action |
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| source Climatenadhealthcare.org |
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The international health and medical community developed a joint declaration on climate health and wellbeing calling for health to be central to climate action during the COP18 international climate change negotiations in Doha, Qatar.
Signatories include the World Medical Association, the International Council of Nurses, International Federation of Medical Students, Health Care Without Harm, Climate and Health Alliance, European Public Health Association, Public Health Association of Australia, Royal College of General Practitioners (UK), Climate and Health Council, OraTaiao: The New Zealand Climate & Health Council, NHS Sustainable Development Unit, Umeå Center for Global Health Research, South African Medical Association and many others.
The Doha Declaration outlines why health experts are extremely worried about slow progress on climate action, and highlights how the health co-benefits of emissions can build support for ambitious climate strategies.
This statement was used in discussions in Doha, but also serves as roadmap for future action. more |
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| China Aims to Reduce Air Pollution |
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| source UpiAsia |
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China announced a new air pollution reduction plan at the UN climate talks in Doha. The starting point of the plan is to improve air quality and protect public health. To meet the new air pollution targets, China will limit coal-fired power and further promote the use of clean energy as well as further limit the number of industrial programs with high-energy consumption and pollution. Other measures include prohibiting high-emission vehicles. more |
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| US: Warming Climate Brings Worse Allergies |
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| source Kxan.com |
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A recent study led by Leonard Bielory of Rutgers University, found that climate change could have a significant impact on those who suffer from allergies. According to the study, the airborne allergens different patients are suffering from could increase in quantity and intensity. The biggest impact will be on people who currently have very mild to moderate allergies, as there's more and stronger pollen in the air.
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| Bangladesh: Climate Change Erodes Basic Rights, Including Health |
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| source trust.org |
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Increasingly extreme weather is worsening food insecurity, displacement and other problems for rural families in Bangladesh, effectively robbing them of basic human rights, argues the report "A Nation Under Threat" released by the Environmental Justice Foundation. "Climate change has become one of the major challenges to the enjoyment of the basic rights to life, food, health, water, housing and self-determination. Experiencing food insecurity, declining health and even the direct threats to their lives from extreme conditions or the conflicts that are blossoming in climate chaos," the Environmental Justice Foundation said in a statement. more |
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