Policies aimed at combating climate change also offer tremendous opportunities to improve the lives and health of children worldwide. The idea of climate and health “co-benefits” argues that doing things to help the environment will also keep children healthy, reduce healthcare costs, and create economic growth. Some of the best plans to address climate change pay for themselves when we factor health into the equation. The most research on climate and health co-benefits has been dedicated to the following areas:
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Reducing air pollution
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Transitioning to more active transportation systems
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Shifting towards plant-based diets
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Expansion of green environments
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Disaster preparedness
Read about the AAP's efforts to highlight climate and health co-benefits here.
Read more on health and climate action co-benefits in Washington State here.
And get those kids outside!
