Description
Introduction and objectives
Deep, rapid cuts in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are needed to limit global temperature rise to 1·5°C above pre-industrial levels, but current progress is inadequate to achieve the Paris Climate Agreement goals. Many actions to mitigate GHG emissions can deliver near-term health co-benefits, in addition to reducing future risks from climate change.
This presentation will feature key findings from the Lancet Pathfinder Commission report on pathways to a healthy net-zero future. The presentation will: highlight evidence on the health benefits of climate mitigation action across sectors, including food, agriculture, buildings, energy, transport and industry; showcase evaluated examples of implemented solutions that benefit health and the environment; and present recommendations from the report, including the establishment of a Coalition to accelerate climate action for health and support evaluation of impact.
Methodology
The report presents findings from an umbrella review (an analysis of systematic reviews), which for the first time brings together global evidence on the effectiveness of strategies for mitigating climate change and improving human health across different sectors.
200 mitigation actions were identified, of which 178 (89%) presented modelled estimates. The climate impacts of mitigation actions were converted to CO2 equivalents (CO2 eq) to allow the inclusion of other GHGs, notably methane, alongside CO2. Health impacts were converted to reductions in years of life lost (YLL) per 100,000 population per year. These measures enabled the results of heterogeneous studies in different populations to be collated and compared.
The report includes examples of implemented actions with measured climate and health benefits, identified through the umbrella review, a call for evidence, a literature search and collaboration with Pathfinder partners. Case studies and data from the review are showcased in an online Climate & Health Evidence Bank, hosted by the Pathfinder Initiative.
Results and discussion
Modelled evidence highlights the opportunity for climate mitigation action across sectors to bring major benefits to health. Health benefits are delivered primarily through reductions in air pollution, improved diets, and the promotion of active travel and public transport.
The review found that clean cookstoves had the greatest estimated median health co-benefit across all sectors (a reduction of 1279 YLL per 100 000 population per year), followed by dietary changes (306 YLL per 100 000 population per year).
Actions to decarbonise electricity generation had the greatest GHG emissions reductions (a median of 171 kilotonnes of CO2 eq per 100 000 population per year), and can bring health benefits through reduced ambient air pollution. Multisectoral actions could also achieve substantial emissions reductions, but effects depended on the country context.
The review highlighted a lack of evidence on the climate and health impacts of implemented solutions. More real-world examples are needed to inform and inspire transformative action.
Conclusions
The urgency of accelerating climate mitigation requires new approaches to scaling up ambitious action, particularly focusing on the systemic drivers of GHG emissions. The integration of health co-benefits and equity into climate policies can maximise health gains and minimise trade-offs, while promoting efficient use of resources and meeting climate targets.
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