2012-07-08-世界卫生组织-Taking_into_account_health_to_enhance_mitigation_ambition_3页_94kb

Health Co-benefits in Climate Change Mitigation

Framing Health as a Key Justification

Health impacts of climate change serve as a tangible indicator of global progress. Health is linked to sustainable development, offering a positive message for mitigation. Health co-benefits underscore that environmental actions can improve population health, while economic savings from reduced healthcare costs support stronger policy cases.

Mitigation and Health Co-benefits

Strategically designed emission reduction policies can substantially enhance public health by reducing burdens of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. These co-benefits are evident in key sectors like household energy, transport, food/agriculture, and electricity generation, leading to significant cost savings. For instance, EU studies estimate €52 billion in savings for a 20% emission reduction target, with higher targets yielding substantial economic and health gains.

Opportunities for Enhanced Linkage

Health co-benefits strengthen overlaps between mitigation and adaptation. Opportunities include refining Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms (e.g., CDM, JI) to better assess and declare health impacts, particularly in health-focused development programs. Improving national adaptation plans (NAPs) to integrate health considerations can aid Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in planning for climate effects. WHO provides tools like health impact assessments to evaluate and prioritize policies, minimizing health risks while advancing climate goals.