Although the United Nations Human Rights Council recognized in early October, for the first time, that having a clean, healthy and sustainable environment it is a human right, new report reveals how measures to combat climate change could be of considerable benefit to human health in the coming years. Published by the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society, the document discusses some “double victories” for climate and health and calls on governments to ensure that initiatives put in place to tackle climate change are also designed to generate health benefits.

The report brought together 11 leading experts to examine evidence from various sources regarding health impacts initiatives to combat climate change. “It is clear that the fight against climate change will have a positive impact on human health in the long term, but our report provides evidence that the actions necessary to achieve the goal of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 it will benefit our health in the short term. ”Explains the report’s co-chair, Professor Joanna Haigh. Its current publication is not a coincidence as the 26th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 26) will take place in November in Glasgow.

“Our report offers many examples of ‘win-win’ actions that would have a positive impact on health and climate. Professor Sir Andy Haines adds. “Sectors such as transportation, food, construction and energy must take health into account when implementing climate actions to capitalize on these double benefits. Many measures, how to improve access to public transport and energy efficient housing could also help reduce health inequalities. The authors cite a total of five examples where action on climate change has a positive impact on health.

What are they? Phasing out of fossil fuels, travel / travel, food and feed production, buildings and health. So in the first area, switching from fossil fuels to cleaner electricity generation will reduce air pollution, which will improve health and save lives. In terms of travel, I support public transport., increased cycling and walkingAlong with the shift to electric vehicles, it will bring health and environmental benefits through increased physical activity and reduced pollution. And all the more so since increasing walking and cycling could reduce the prevalence of heart disease, strokes and diabetes.

From a food point of view, the fact that the population is reducing its consumption of red and processed meat while increasing its consumption consumption of fruits and vegetables It would dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions while preventing or delaying deaths from heart disease, stroke, and cancer. “A healthy diet that contains less red and processed meats and more fruits and vegetables should increase the average life expectancy of around 8 months and reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to food by around 17% ”, thus estimate the authors of the report for the UK scale that they give as an example.

They also point out that in 2019, buildings were responsible for 17% of Emissions of greenhouse gases United Kingdom, while low temperatures are linked to up to 50,000 deaths per year. Warmer, better-insulated homes should prevent some of these premature deaths, as well as lower fuel bills. Likewise, adequate ventilation is also necessary to ensure indoor air quality and maximizer health benefits. Finally, in the area of ​​health, the report indicates that health systems around the world are responsible for 4 to 5% of global emissions. Greenhouse gases.