Chronic disease and climate change: understanding co-benefits and their policy implications
Anthony G. Capon A B E and Chris E. Rissel C DA National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
B Faculty of the Built Environment, The University of New South Wales
C Health Promotion Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service
D School of Public Health, University of Sydney
E Corresponding author. Email: tony.capon@anu.edu.au
NSW Public Health Bulletin 21(6) 109-113 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB10032
Published: 16 July 2010
Abstract
Chronic disease and climate change are major public policy challenges facing governments around the world. An improved understanding of the relationship between chronic disease and climate change should enable improved policy formulation to support both human health and the health of the planet. Chronic disease and climate change are both unintended consequences of our way of life, and are attributable in part to the ready availability of inexpensive fossil fuel energy. There are co-benefits for health from actions to address climate change. For example, substituting physical activity and a vegetable-rich diet for motor vehicle transport and a meat-rich diet is both good for health and good for the planet. We should encourage ways of living that use less carbon as these can be healthy ways of living, for both individuals and society. Quantitative modelling of co-benefits should inform policy responses.
Acknowledgment
AG Capon receives research funding from the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, the CSIRO Flagship Collaboration Fund, and from an NHMRC Australia Fellowship award to Professor AJ McMichael.
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