Global health equity and climate stabilisation – need for a common agenda

Abstract

While health has improved for many, the extent of health inequities between and within countries is growing. Meanwhile, humankind is disrupting the global climate and other life-supporting environmental systems, thereby posing serious risks to health and well-being, especially in vulnerable populations but ultimately for all. The underlying determinants of health inequity and of environmental change overlap substantially. They reflect, in particular, an economic system predicated on asymmetric growth and competition, shaped by market forces that mostly disregard health and environmental consequences and limits rather than by values of fairness and support. A shift is required in priorities in economic development, healthy forms of urbanisation, more efficient and renewable energy modes and a sustainable and fairer food system. Addressing the social determinants of health will not only improve global health, but advances will also be made in poverty eradication and social equity such that people, communities and nations will be able to resist current climate change and avert further damage to the global environment and climate. This paper will explore in particular the issues of economic development, urbanisation and food systems in the context of global health equity and climate stabilisation

Towards healthy and sustainable food consumption: an Australian case study

“…Informed by the evidence (existing LCA) we replaced food items that were typically consumed by the Australian public in each of the five food groups with a comparable food item that had a lower environmental footprint as measured by GHG emissions, water use and biodiversity impact. We applied three overarching principles when developing the H&S diet: (i) any food that is consumed above a person's energy requirement represents an avoidable environmental burden in the form of GHG emissions, use of natural Consume a variety of animal-source foods and alternative products for health Of all the meats listed, red meat has the highest CO 2 and water impact. Animal-source foods with lower environmental impacts are chicken, kangaroo, sustainable fish, legumes, nuts and egg Fresh fish from stable stocks is more environmentally friendly than tinned fish.…”

“…Food insecurity is an important health concern worldwide and in Australia, with growing recognition that existing differentials in the availability, accessibility and affordability of nutritious food between and within nations are being intensified by environmental change (1)(2)(3)(4) . The relationship between environmental change, food systems and food security is dynamic and bidirectional.…”

Addressing the Social and Environmental Determinants of Urban Health Equity: Evidence for Action and a Research Agenda

“…There is widespread recognition that disruption and depletion of natural environmental systems, including climate change, has profound implications for the health and indeed for the survival of people globally. 38 These environmental disruptions encompass climate and atmospheric change; pollution and ecotoxicity; depletion of resources, especially freshwater, foodlands, forests, fisheries, and fossil fuels; and loss of habitats, species and bidoversity that threatens many elements of the web of life in our ecosystems. 39 The combination of these changes is already affecting the health of the population in some parts of the world, and as these trends continue, the number of people affected will grow.…”

Action on the Social Determinants of Health and Health Inequities Goes Global

“…Human-induced perturbation and depletion of the planet's biogeophysical systems, which sustain life, have contributed to environmental degradation, including climate change, which is increasing health risks unequally between regions and populations (12,13,29). It is increasingly noted in the international public health literature that convergence of the environmental, health, and equity agendas is an essential, transformative step if humans are to survive across future generations equitably, in a healthy, secure, and peaceful manner (13).…”