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Health and Equity Co-Benefits of Addressing Climate Change

Abstract: Climate change mitigation and readiness measures are being implemented in land use, transportation, water, energy, waste, agriculture, and more. Many climate action strategies also have significant beneficial effects on public health and equity, known as co-benefits, making climate change action a “win-win”. Some health co-benefits of strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation include: decreases in obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, osteoporosis, and improved community cohesion and mental health. If efforts are targeted to those communities most in need of the resources, benefits, and reduction of risks resulting from climate change action, health inequities can also be addressed.