Abstract
Background
Our global society has evolved in the last century at an astonishing pace, with human population more than doubling in the last 50 years. Public Health has been largely influenced in a positive way by the social and technological advancements that lead to a decrease in child mortality and an increase in life expectancy. However, the accelerated pace of climate change and its predicted impact on population health is one of the greatest challenges the human species faces. There are many ways PH can contribute in that challenge, from legislative action and advocacy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and toxic waste on a global scale to small projects that tackle locally specific problems.
Objective
This presentation is part of a workshop on how individuals and public health (PH) can create a more sustainable world. It aims specifically to present examples and ideas of how to make current public health projects at a local level more sustainable.
Results
Several examples will be discussed during the presentation, including the adherence to European directives, like reducing the amount of paper used in projects, and the focus on the environmental impacts of each program implemented, creating a mindset of “sustainability in all action”.
Conclusions
There seems to be a global concern about climate change, with many strategic documents and agreements outlining the path for a more sustainable world. However, there is also a clear difficulty in translating those strategies to action in our everyday Public Health practice. The changes referred during this presentation might not be directly related to the main goal of the project or program, yet they by contributing to climate action they will also contribute to population health gains.
Climate Change, Weather Conditions, and Population Health
