Health as the driver for sustainable cities
John Snow Lecture Theatre, LSHTM, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT
About this Event
Cities present unique opportunities for advancing climate and health action. Though cities are currently major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, they also offer solutions to climate and health challenges and many are already leading the way towards a healthier net-zero future.
This event will explore evidence on the health benefits of climate action across sectors, with a particular focus on accelerating the net-zero transition in cities in the UK and globally. Speakers will highlight opportunities for cities to improve public health through transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources; more sustainable transport systems that promote active travel and use of public transport; improved access to healthy diets with less red and processed meat and more plant-based foods; more energy efficient and climate resilient homes and buildings; and greener urban environments.
The event will showcase examples of city leadership and case studies of urban climate solutions that also bring benefits to health, with emphasis on the importance of monitoring, evaluating and reporting to understand impact, inform further action and ensure accountability. Speakers will explore ways forward to drive transformative change and a just transition, and participants will be invited to share their views on creating healthier, more sustainable urban futures for all.
This event will be part of a broader LCAW event taking place at LSHTM: From global evidence to local action on climate and health. Attendees are welcome to stay for the second session of the event on tackling short-lived climate pollutants, or join for the cities session only.
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), C40 Cities, University College London (UCL), UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC)
Pathfinder Initiative, LSHTM
The Pathfinder Initiative aims to accelerate a just transition to a healthy, net-zero future by providing evidence to inform policies and actions that bring benefits to both climate and health. The Pathfinder Initiative is led by LSHTM and funded by the Wellcome Trust. Partner organisations include C40 Cities, CDP, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the Hot or Cool Institute.
Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, LSHTM
The Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health conducts research to better understand the links between environmental change and human health, as well as identifying solutions for both mitigation of climate change and adaptation to its effects. Research areas include, but are not limited to, the delivery of sustainable and healthy food systems, sustainable and healthy cities, and understanding and controlling the shifting patterns of infectious disease.
C40 Cities
C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using an inclusive, science-based and collaborative approach to cut their fair share of emissions in half by 2030, help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C, and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities.
Policy and Implementation for Climate & Health Equity, UCL
Policy and Implementation for Climate & Health Equity (PAICE) is a collaborative research effort between UCL and LSHTM, in partnership with the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Greater London Authority (GLA). PAICE aims to inform and evaluate policies – both existing and potential – that contribute towards delivering a healthy net zero future in the UK.
UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC)
UKHACC is an alliance of UK-based health organisations, representing about 1 million health professionals, that advocates for responses to climate change to protect and promote public health.
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