For the past two weeks, we’ve spoken about the climate change talks in Paris and why they are important, as well as reasons for hope.
As we find ways to make changes in our own lives to be part of the solution, it’s important to remember that as a health care institution, our mission galvanizes us to “create a healthy future for all individuals and communities.” Ameliorating the effects of global warming protects and improves health.
The Lancet calls climate change “the biggest global health threat of the 21st century” as asthma will increase, asthma attacks will be more severe and we will have more heat-related maladies, more allergens and increased water and vector-borne diseases. And it’s expensive: from 2002 to 2009, health care costs exceeded $14 billion, and that’s just from six major events.
Now there’s a new reason to be hopeful. The climate change talks yielded an agreement.
No, it’s not perfect. But it is impressive that 195 different countries were able to come together and create a plan that they all agreed to in two weeks. Before going into the talks, the United Nations secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said there was “no Plan B”, and he’s right. We are at a tipping point, and action needs to be taken.
This plan should put that action into effect. When exactly a tipping point will take place is hard to predict, as it’s determined by things that haven’t happened yet. This means several models have to be run to come up with these scenarios. Unfortunately, virtually all predictions feel this deal, should it be fully enacted, will still not keep us under the two degree mark that scientists have called for.
It’s important to note that, once signed, the agreement is legally binding, but it’s not a treaty. This means getting money for change will still require legislative action. While there’s worry that this can hamper our economy by forcing businesses to make changes, many predict that it will help businesses by decreasing costs in the long run, increasing efficiency and expanding markets.
We have the ability to be innovative and find new technology that will make us better . . . new technology that can be sold to other countries to help them achieve their goals while strengthening our economy.
Read the climate change agreement/plan here.