Climate Change: Its Effect on Global Health and Wellness

By Kelsey Holmes, Greenheart Club Intern

This year marks the fifteenth year of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals and the target date set by the UN for reaching them.  After huge strides were made in improving health and wellness for people around the world, global leaders are in the process of creating and finalizing a new set of objectives for global sustainable development.

According to IntraHealth International senior editor, Margarite Nathe, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “could unite countries on the path toward one of the international community’s most ambitious goals: universal health coverage.”  While all of the issues laid out by the SDGs are important and pressing – such as the goal to “end poverty in all its forms everywhere” – one of the most vital issues facing global health and wellness is the climate crisis.

Photo courtesy of © Natural Resources Defense Council

The United Nation’s 2014 Climate Summit states “Climate change is not a far-off problem, it is happening now, with real consequences.”  The UN has divided the issue into eight Action Areas: Agriculture, Cities, Energy, Financing, Forests, Industry, Resilience and Transportation.

As the world’s population continues to grow, the issues surrounding global warming, pollution, and consumption will remain at the forefront of global health issues.  One way to make sure that you’re doing your part is by paying attention to what you consume.  Use this footprint calculator to see how big your environmental footprint is and learn where you have room for improvement.  If you want to go a step further, check out these organizations that offer ways to get involved and start making a difference!

• Natural Resources Defense Council: “The Natural Resources Defense Council’s purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends.”
• 350.org: “350.org is building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis.”
• Greenpeace: “Greenpeace is the leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.”

What are some ways you’ve taken action on these issues? Comment below!