Climate Change and the need of a One Health Approach – from science to policy

AbstractClimate change is having a detrimental impact on the environment and on the animals and humans health. Recent research has highlighted the negative impact that climate change has on the social and environmental factors that determine human health, such as clean air, food security and safety, water quality, and much more such as the possible increase of infectious diseases and zoonoses. Climate change is indeed a global health problem, causing several health negative impacts that could be largely prevented in many cases if sufficient action is taken. However, to obtain the results needed we need a multi-sectorial approach and the preventive actions need to be developed in different sectors in a coherent manner. Threats to public health resulting from climate change need to be anticipated to allow adaptation and allow a proper answer. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection between health in people, animals, plants, and their shared environment is a fundamental pillar of prevention. Several examples of climate change adaptation in different scenarios will be presented and discussed aiming to support multi-sectorial policy actions. The identification and implementation of policies that will bring co-benefits to human and animal health and environment should be the drivers for the next years. We need to act now and promote the mainstream of health into all policies, strategies and programmes.
Source: The European Journal of Public Health - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research