Scaling up six climate and health interventions worldwide could prevent an estimated 1.56 million deaths annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 16.67 billion tonnes, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report. The measures are also projected to generate substantial economic benefits, with annual economic welfare benefits estimated at $3.92 trillion and fiscal benefits at $5.44 trillion.
For five of these interventions, which have measurable costs, the report found an estimated $24 in benefits for every $1 invested. Heat-health warning systems showed the highest return on investment, generating an estimated $835 for every $1 spent. More efficient fossil fuel pricing, including the removal of inefficient subsidies, is expected to yield the largest overall economic gains.
The six examined interventions include heat-health warning systems, climate-resilient drinking water, basic sanitation, hand hygiene, cleaner household energy, and fiscal policies for fossil fuel pricing. The WHO highlighted that these measures offer a combined approach to improving public health, lowering emissions, and strengthening economies.
Source: Down To Earth