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LRudolph May 2014 1 LRudolph May 2014 2 The Climate Gap The Climate Gap LRudolph May 2014 3 LRudolph May 2014 4 Active Transportation Co-Benefits • Reductions – – – – – Reductions Air pollution Noise Infrastructure costs Community severance GHG emissions • Increases – Physical activity – Social capital Avoidable increases LRudolph May 2014 Respiratory disease Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Depression Osteoporosis Cancer Stress Bike/ped injuries 5 Heat Resilience Co-Benefits • Urban greening – Places to be active – Healthy food access – Reduce storm water run-off – Decrease flooding risk – Replenish groundwater – Improve aesthetics – Reduce crime • Reduce heat island effect – Reduce heat illness risk – Decrease energy consumption – Lower energy costs – Reduce air pollution LRudolph May 2014 6 6 LRudolph May 2014 7 Climate Change and Health • Climate change has direct impacts on health & well-being • Climate change is a threat multiplier – Climate change exacerbates existing health challenges • Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and disadvantaged communities • Climate change effects the systems on which human life depends – air, water, food, shelter, security. • Co-benefits offer many opportunities to simultaneously improve health and address climate change LRudolph May 2014 8 What is happening now? • Greenhouse gas emissions increasing • Current actions not consistent with temperature increase less than 20C • Require substantial cuts in emissions by mid-century through large-scale changes in energy systems and possibly land use • Delay makes transition substantially more difficult and costly, and narrows http://www.ipcc.ch options LRudolph May 2014 9 Public Health has a Key Role – High value on health, clean air & water, toxin-free, access to parks/green • Health professionals credible and trusted • Our language – prevention & protection resonates • Health frame engenders interest in climate action • Co-benefits provide hope and immediacy • Climate actions & health actions aligned LRudolph May 2014 10 LRudolph May 2014 11