US Climate and Health Alliance

The social dimensions of climate change: discussion draft

Abstract

This paper addresses the social dimensions of climate change from a sustainable, equitable development perspective, understood as “an irreducible holistic concept where economic, social and environmental issues are interdependent dimensions that must be approached within a unified framework”, and where the overarching outcome is to fully promote human welfare and equal access to life-sustaining resources. The paper is not an academic review, nor a detailed assessment of the consequences of not addressing the social dimensions of climate change. The aim is rather to broaden and deepen policy-makers’ understanding of the benefits of addressing and incorporating the social dimensions of climate change into climate policies. In doing so, the paper identifies a number of knowledge gaps within the social, human and natural sciences that need to be filled in order to further strengthen policy responses.

Resource Type
Report
Author
United Nations Task Team on Social Dimensions of Climate Change
Resource URL
http://www.who.int/globalchange/publications/social-dimensions-climate-change/en/
Pages
48
Date
2011
Organization Type
Other gov
Region
International
Other
Climate and environmental justice/health equity Climate communication/messaging International policy Social determinants of health Vulnerable populations Policy International

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