2016/12/01 by Jonathan A. Patz · 2 citations
Environmental Science · Business, Management and Accounting · #Climate Change and Health Impacts #Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology #Air Quality and Health Impacts
paper · pdf · doi:10.1186/s40985-016-0047-y
openalex publication_date 2016/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Today's substantial global health gains are being undermined by the threat of climate change. Ironically, the actions required to confront the climate crisis represent possibly the largest public health opportunity in more than a century. Health benefits from improved air quality may far outweigh the cost of clean energy investments. Upward trends in chronic diseases are now occurring throughout the world. Herein lies even more golden opportunities for public health through the following: first, adopting more alternative modes of transportation, especially those that promote "active transport" by foot or by bicycle, in combination with effective public transportation; and second, by reducing meat in the diet. In essence, there is no better time to focus on health as central in the climate negotiations; and in so doing, may we move faster and further with effective actions on climate change and the subsequent health benefits that will arise from a low-carbon society.