Plenary 5: Climate change, justice and public health

Friday 12 November 2021, 16:20 – 17:20 PM CET.
Organiser: EuroHealthNet.

Statement:

EuroHealthNet and others have issued a statement urging recognition of the right to health, and of the detrimental impacts of the climate crisis on physical and mental health which are disproportionately felt by those already facing multiple disadvantages. Addressing climate change effectively will bring co-benefits for health. Changes are needed to create a sustainable future for the planet, and those changes must also lead to a fairer and healthier future for all its inhabitants.

Read the statement here.

The statement is endorsed by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, the European Environmental Bureau, the European Public Health Association, the Global Climate and Health Alliance, and the Council of Europe Development Bank.

Moderator:

Speakers/panellists:

  • Maria Neira, Director Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization
  • Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director European Environment Agency
  • Monica Scatasta, Director, Council of Europe Development Bank 
  • Patrick ten Brink, Deputy Secretary General and Director EU Policy, European Environmental Bureau

On the closing day of the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26), this plenary will discuss the four COP26 goals of 'Mitigation, Adaptation, Finance and Collaboration', exploring how health and equity can be further mainstreamed within these climate actions. It aims both to inform and to inspire, raising awareness about the interconnected challenges we are facing as well as discussing solutions and actions at different levels that we all can be a part of to ensure the transformational change that is needed.

Recent events have confronted us with converging emergencies: rising health inequalities, climate change and environmental degradation.Tackling these challenges requires actions by governments, corporates, communities, and individuals, and concerted strategies across health, environmental, and social sectors. Public health has an important role to play in promoting health in a rapidly changing world, and in ensuring a broad approach to health which considers socio-economic and environmental determinants. This is particularly crucial to ensure that we achieve a net zero carbon economy while simultaneously addressing the social crisis we are facing and improving health and wellbeing for all: achieving a green, healthy and just transition, leaving no one behind regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and income and education levels.

Programme:

Welcome by the Moderator - Caroline Costongs, Director EuroHealthNet

Setting the scene: The role of public health in addressing climate change and environmental inequalities post-2020
Maria Neira, Director Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization

Panel debate and Q&A: Working collaboratively to mainstream health and equity in COP26 goals

  • Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA)
  • Monica Scatasta, Director, Technical Assessment and Monitoring Directorate, Council of Europe Development Bank 
  • Patrick ten Brink, Deputy Secretary General and Director EU Policy, European Environmental Bureau
  • Maria Neira, Director Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health, World Health Organization

Concluding round: take-home messages and conclusion