Hi Everyone,
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) has a developed some reports and resources on the topic that may be of interest. Sharing the link for reference: (Healthy people, healthy business)
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Agree! Industries, NGOs and governments should work together to reframe the climate crisis discussion to impact peopleâs lives today.
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by investments I was meaning making sure that that their pensions etc are not invested in fossil fuel industries- i.e. they can reduce the carbon footprint associated with their investments
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agree with you @federica with businesses collabrating with other partners, it creates a point where they can unitedly work towards achieving a common goal
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I really like the illustrations you have provided.
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What are the connections between health equity and climate change?
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Climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including low-income communities, minority groups, vulnerable age groups, people suffering from underlying health conditions, and Indigenous communities.
o These populations often have fewer resources to adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as affording the increase in housing bills when temperatures rise.
o These populations may also face higher levels of exposure to environmental pollutants, which can lead to increasing negative health outcomes.
o Older populations are more likely to live alone and be socially isolated, putting them at increased risks of missing warnings. Additionally, they are potentially less able to respond to weather disasters.
o Young children are also at a higher risk as their bodies are still developing and thus more vulnerable to environmental toxins and pollutants.
o Climate change can also exacerbate pre-existing health conditions, especially those related to respiratory and cardiovascular systems. These include asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Diabetes, Allergies, and mental health issues. These tend to be most present in the previously stated communities facing higher levels of exposure to environmental pollutants.
o Indigenous communities feel the effects of climate change the strongest as their livelihoods, culture and ways of living are closely tied to their natural environment. -
Climate change has a significant impact on human health, causing an increase in heat-related illnesses, respiratory diseases due to poor air quality, and vector born diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. These health impacts can also be worsened by social and economic factors, leading to disparities in health outcomes.
o Indigenous medicines from the land not found anymore.
o Forest health vital in preventing emerging diseases.
o Viruses through animals that we eat or interact with, especially as the movement of a virus thrives in heat. -
Environmental justice: Health equity and climate change are interconnected through the concept of environmental justice. This addresses the unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits. As the first point addressed, environmental justice recognizes that marginalized communities often face a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards.
o It is relevant to note that communities living in regions most affected by climate change are also least contributory to it. -
Addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures can equally improve health equity. For example, transitioning to renewable energy sources would reduce air pollution, which would improve respiratory health outcomes. Similarly, adopting green infrastructure, such as green spaces, offers many benefits, including reducing urban heat islands, improving mental health outcomes, and increasing access to recreational opportunities.
Why equity and not equality?
An equitable approach is not necessarily and equal approach.
^ e.g., rather than just planting trees across all communities, think about the need of communities who face hotter climates, poverty, and health risks. An equitable response would, after planting the trees, address training the members of the community to take care of them, get jobs around to keep the trees, education on the environment and health, etc.
Big ways in which we are affected
⢠Emotionally: our wellbeing/ mental health hugely suffers from the preparation/stress/survival/fear/anticipation of climate change. Even the least affected hear news on the immigration crisis etc.
⢠disrupt access and quality of water and food.
⢠Vector-born diseases, infections that didnât happen before - things are now living and migrating to places, parasites are changing, trees are getting infected, viruses spreading through animals (including the human race).
How can businesses play a role?
- Reduce carbon footprint /greenhouse gas emissions: Businesses can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by implementing energy-efficient practices, using renewable energy sources, sustainable transportation options for employees. Moreover, take means to reshape their supply chain by encouraging similar method (there is support available in how to approach more inaccessible scopes 2, 3 and 4. Business such as Manufacture 2030 have guidelines available).
- Support vulnerable communities: Businesses can support vulnerable communities by partnering with local organisations to provide resources and support. This could include sponsoring health clinics, supporting affordable housing initiatives, or providing job training programs.
- Promote sustainable products and services: Businesses can promote sustainable products and services. For instance, they can sell products made from renewable or recycled materials, or offer services that promote energy efficiency.
- Advocate for policy changes: Businesses can advocate for policy changes that support climate change and health equity. This could include supporting renewable energy initiatives, advocating for carbon pricing, or supporting policies that promote equity in access to healthcare.
- Measure and report on sustainability efforts: Businesses can measure and report on their sustainability efforts, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions, energy efficiency improvements, and other sustainability initiatives. This can help them track progress over time and demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change and health equity.
- Support existing charities and create/join projects: Identify existing, or up-and-coming, businesses that directly address climate change and health equity, and find creative ways to support them. This may include picking them or their research as a cause to dedicate a percentage of profit towards or collaborate in a joint project with the aim to raise awareness and/or fundraise.
o Existing businesses may include Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green building, electric vehicle, sustainable fashion, and sustainable food companies.
o Alternatively, healthcare companies that acknowledge the intertwined relationship between climate change and health equity are introducing measures to adapt to newest knowledge on the matter. For example, Johnson & Johnson launched the âClimate and Healthâ programme on how climate health and public health are one and the same. The objective is to train health professionals on the matter, and how they can incorporate this knowledge into their work to better their work.
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***Our second question of the afternoon:
Q2.
What are the best examples of businesses taking action on health equity and climate change issues?
Through implementing the ESG guidelines on environmental and social governance that calls for planetary consideration while doing business
The most crucial thing here is the commitment from the governmentâs side.
Some businesses are leading the way on climate mitigation- Those committed to science based targets-i.e. targets in line with 1.5 degree trajectory (GSK and Unilever interesting examples)
A2. Among big businesses few of them I see are:
- Patagonia:
Outdoor clothing company Patagonia has long been committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The company has taken a number of actions to reduce its carbon footprint, including using renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable supply chain management, and reducing waste. In addition, Patagonia has been an advocate for environmental causes and has donated millions of dollars to support grassroots environmental organizations.
- Unilever:
Consumer goods company Unilever has set ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and ensuring that all its plastic packaging is fully reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. Unilever has also launched several initiatives to promote health equity, including programs to improve access to clean water and hygiene in developing countries.
- Ikea:
Furniture retailer Ikea has taken a number of actions to promote sustainability and health equity, including investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable sourcing, and reducing waste. Ikea has also launched several initiatives to promote health and wellness, including sponsoring community fitness programs and promoting sustainable living through its product designs.
- Danone:
Food and beverage company Danone has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and has launched several initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce carbon emissions. Danone has also been a leader in promoting health equity, with initiatives to promote healthy eating habits and improve access to clean water in developing countries.
- Microsoft:
Technology giant Microsoft has committed to being carbon negative by 2030 and has launched several initiatives to promote sustainability and health equity, including investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable product design, and reducing waste. Microsoft has also launched several initiatives to promote access to technology and digital literacy in underserved communities.
-Companies investing in local and international carbon removal and biodiversity projects
-Financial disclosure projects- Increased focus on financial risks of not acting-
Taskforce on climate related financial disclosures (TCFD) and developing Taskforce on nature related financial disclosures
There are concrete examples â the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition brings together public and private health organizations to research and implement sustainable practices in health care, including waste reduction and social and environmental standards in supply chain procurement.
A more specific example is how pharmaceutical companies play a major role in this. Between 2017 and 2018, 12 major pharmaceutical companies found that almost all were able to significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining or increasing profitability.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity (OCCHE), in recognition of the unequal impacts climate change is having within the countryâas well as beyond its bordersâon poor and ethnic minority communities. As part of its work addressing climate-related health inequality, HHS and the OCCHE, in partnership with the White House, launched the Health Care Sector Climate Pledge in 2022, inviting health care industry stakeholders, including suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and service providers, to commit to climate-friendly actions.
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Helping fill the huge funding gap for climate and health - the $100bn per year of climate finance that was promised to developing countries is not coming quick enough. And in 2018, less than 0.5% of multilateral climate finance was allocated to health projects. Businesses can invest in climate and health innovation and help scale solutions.
There are several ways businesses can take action. Here are 3 ways we can think about taking action:
A2. However, there are also small realities that are making an impact on health equity with whom big companies can create partnerships, some of them are:
- The Compost Crew:
The Compost Crew is a small company that provides composting services to residents and businesses in the Washington, DC area. The company collects food waste and other organic materials and turns them into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to improve soil health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Compost Crew promotes sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship.
- Terracycle:
Terracycle is a small company that specializes in recycling hard-to-recycle materials such as cigarette butts, coffee capsules, and snack wrappers. The company works with businesses and individuals to collect these materials and turn them into new products. Terracycle promotes sustainable resource management and environmental responsibility.
- Yumbutter:
Yumbutter is a small company that produces organic, fair-trade nut butter products. The company is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and sources its ingredients from sustainable farms and cooperatives. Yumbutter also donates a portion of its profits to support community development and environmental conservation projects.
- Brightmark Energy:
Brightmark Energy is a small company that specializes in converting organic waste into renewable natural gas and other products. The company works with farmers, waste management companies, and municipalities to collect organic waste and turn it into clean energy. Brightmark Energy promotes sustainable waste management and renewable energy development.
- Simple Energy:
Simple Energy is a small company that provides energy efficiency solutions to residential and commercial customers. The company offers software solutions that help customers track and reduce their energy use, and promotes the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Simple Energy promotes energy efficiency and sustainability.
⢠Action 1 - Community resilience: many businesses have the scale and resources to provide aid to communities experiencing hardships due to extreme weather events or other disasters. But they can also use their scale and resources to generateâin partnership with local governments and NGOsâjobs and infrastructure that enable healthier communities longer-term. Many people in low-income communities have better access to their local stores than a hospital or doctorâs office. So programs like CVS Health Zones or Walmart Health Clinics make a big difference in meeting communities in need where are already shop and live, reducing the barrier to health access with practical and convenient solutions. Health Zones | CVS Health; Walmart Health Nearly Doubles in Size With Launch Into Two New States in 2024
Initiatives that build resilience donât necessarily require policy change or new regulation; they can simply help people with basic health needs. One of the most basic health needs is food security. Due to climate change, food scarcity is becoming an even greater concern and due to higher carbon dioxide levels, food is less nutritious. Data shows that 3.5% of Global GDP is lost every year due to micronutrient deficiencies. Thatâs $3.5 trillion dollars per year. Such enormous costs result from economic growth thatâs not realized because of premature deaths and increased costs in healthcare, impaired learning potential and compromised adult work productivity. This is why, at Bayer, we launched The Nutrient Gap Initiative, a dedicated program to expand access to vitamins and minerals for 50 million people in underserved communities by 2030. The initiative directly targets different barriers around the world and weâre developing tailored programs, products and services to help bridge the nutrient gap. We leverage our expertise and portfolioâfrom food to supplementationâand our extensive global footprint, from smallholder farming communities to low-income consumers, to provide adapted solutions.
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Agree Ryan- Pharma are playing a really important role here and the SHC are showing real leadership. From my experience a few things are needed to help this happen:
Agreed standards for carbon reduction targets across health systems
Collaboration between health providers and pharma to decarbonise whole pathways
Data transparency
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