Putting people at the center of the climate change conversation - Japan Today

Putting people at the center of the climate change conversation - Japan Today

We are experiencing unprecedented rapid global warming caused by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities. The Earth is about 1.1°C warmer now than it was in the 1800s — and the last 12 months have been the hottest on record.

We already know how to tackle this problem, and the international community has been discussing these solutions under international agreements such as the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement. The three broad categories of climate action are: mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, adapting to the consequences of climate change by strengthening health systems to deal with heat stress and financing required adjustments.

But the national climate action plans adopted by countries remain insufficient to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. This is why people — and particularly youth — must urge their leaders and governments to do more to protect the Earth.

For some people, however, climate change may seem too remote from their everyday lives.

First, it can be difficult to understand what climate change really means for individual quality of life. Second, as climate action requires collective efforts, people may not know how they can contribute individually and be left feeling powerless.

We need to place people at the center of discussion on climate, by focusing on their health and well-being. This will enhance a sense of ownership, and help people recognize how their efforts can benefit their local communities and beyond.

Climate change threatens our health

To start, we need to be more aware that climate change is a serious threat to our health and well-being, as pointed out by experts in the Climate Change 2023 Synthesis Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

At the COP28 in Dubai in 2023, environment and health ministers adopted the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health. We often hear that the consequences of climate change include droughts, water scarcity, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, severe storms and declining biodiversity.

So, we must also understand how people’s health is affected by these impacts. This will help us promote adaptation measures. One obvious example is heat stress — the temperature increase observed in many parts of the world will inevitably result in more heat-related mortality and morbidity. There are indirect consequences to health. Some vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue could increase as climate change expands mosquito habitat ranges.

In addition to its impacts on physical health, climate change can also have indirect consequences on mental health. We may experience more psycho-social stress and trauma through ecological grief and anxiety, negatively impacting our well-being. Eco-anxiety is an issue of particular relevance for our youth.

Health benefits of tackling climate change

As individuals, we should be eager to help reduce GHG emissions. We may be tempted to think that mitigation is the responsibility of governments and large corporations. However, if we start commuting to work by bicycle, instead of using gasoline powered cars, this will help mitigate climate change. At the same time, we will become healthier by exercising regularly.

This is one example of what is known as the “ health co-benefits” of climate change mitigation measures.

Local governments need to create an enabling environment for realizing more of these health co-benefits.

For example, cities can set up protected bike lane networks, encouraging more people to switch their mode of transportation to bicycles. Local governments can promote sustainable urban development through compact city strategies, including the construction of light rail transit (LRT) systems.

In Japan, the first full-scale LRT was introduced in Toyama City in 2006. In August 2023, Utsunomiya City began operating an LRT. Such initiatives reduce GHG emissions by reducing the dependence of residents on gasoline powered cars, while encouraging them to exercise more to prevent sedentary lifestyle-related diseases.

Focusing on health

By focusing on the health and well-being implications of climate change we can help to place individuals at the center of the climate conversation. But to further empower people to take individual action, knowledge and education are critical.

Climate change education should stress how global environmental issues, human and planetary health are interconnected. Higher education institutions that adopt a multidisciplinary approach to climate education and put youth at the center of the conversation are essential.

This is the approach we are taking at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) through interdisciplinary master’s and doctoral programs, as well as a range of short courses.

The Tokyo-based institute, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, equips future leaders with the knowledge needed to participate meaningfully in the international policy making process on climate action.

Dr. Yasushi Katsuma is the academic program advisor at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) based in Tokyo, Japan.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations University.© Japan Today