Health as a lever for action on climate change

Description

In April 2022, Santé publique France and the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) organised a day of discussions on health as a driver for action against climate change. The proceedings of this event offer insight into the links between climate, biodiversity and health; learnings from action-oriented research; and health benefits associated with ambitious climate policies that should encourage concrete action at local, national and European levels. They are are here available for consultation.

Geared towards knowledge sharing and action-oriented research, the interdisciplinary seminar illustrated how Santé publique France and IANPHI are working together to engage and support national public health institutes as key players in the fight against climate change. The various presentations given on 8 April highlighted the diverse and severe impacts of climate change, on both physical and mental health, as well as the many health benefits associated with ambitious climate policies. The speakers emphasized how the environmental and socio-economic determinants of health can be used to drive climate adaptation and mitigation. Inspiring examples, based on a positive vision of the links between environment and health, show how alliances between multisectoral stakeholders can radically transform living environments to make them more favourable to health and biodiversity, while simultaneously addressing the imperatives of climate adaptation and mitigation. Confronted with unprecedented scientific and social challenges, public health institutes are joining forces with European and international institutions to share knowledge, provide feedback and estimate the health benefits of climate policies.

Reference information