Reducing Carbon Footprint- A Health Perspective

Our carbon footprint is the measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases we emit into the atmosphere on a day to day basis. It is measured in units of CO2 and usually expressed in kilograms or tonnes. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 2 tonnes per year, per person is recommended to prevent global warming, and to protect human health from climate change. The average however is 4 tonnes per person. The activities that cause these emissions are either related to our individual activities or to services provided to or on behalf of us.

Averages by Country:

• USA-20 tonnes per person
• Canada-23 tonnes
• UK-10 per person
• China- 3 per person
• India-1.2 per person

Important Greenhouse Gases:

• Carbon dioxide
  
• Methane
• Water vapor
• Ozone

When CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere, it prevents excess heat from escaping into space contributing to global warming. Emissions in the last ten years have been the highest ever. These changes are due mainly to human activities such as burning of fossil fuels. This has triggered a global public health concern and a call to protect human health from climate change.

According to a series of reports on climate change, published by WHO, there are key characteristics of the health risks of global warming. The health risks are greatest in the poorest countries that contribute least to greenhouse gas emissions. Industrialized countries contribute most to the problems through their use of transport, energy, water, their dietary choices and waste management.

The impacts of climate change on health are huge but avoidable. Disease such as malaria, diarrhea and protein-energy malnutrition take 3 million lives annually. These diseases are highly sensitive to climatic changes making them important global health concerns. With public health intervention and a strategy to reduce human impacts, these can be prevented.

Reducing Impacts of Human Activities
Reducing our carbon footprint will result in less greenhouse gas emissions. Although 55 % of our carbon footprint is related to services provided to or on our behalf of us, there is a lot we can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You will find that these actions are also beneficial to health and the environment. The actions we would take are dependent on our environment

• Do an audit
• Calculate your carbon footprint
• Determine which actions are required for your environment
• Reduce your carbon footprint to recommended level
• Protect your health from climate change
• Buy carbon credits to offset CO2 emissions
• Lobby for strong protective policies

After calculating your carbon footprint, you can offset it by buying credits. More information on offsetting your carbon footprint can be found at The Green Room, a website for health promotion and disease prevention.

Better use of transport, water, food and energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect our health from climate change and prevent global warming.

Transportation
In the USA, automobiles produce more than 20% of the country’s total carbon emissions. For each liter of fuel burnt in a car engine, 2.5 kg of CO2 are produced. Walking, cycling and taking public transport as alternatives to driving will not only save on greenhouse gas missions but will contribute to a healthy lifestyle. We will see a reduction in:

• Deaths by traffic accidents- from the 1.2 million a year
• Deaths from physical inactivity- from the 1.5 million a year
• Death from outdoor pollution- from 800.000 a year
• The risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and hypertension.

Water
Climate change is expected to worsen water quality and quantity. Preservation of water quantity and quality will maintain safe drinking water and reduce the risks of waterborne diseases.

Food
Food production is major contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products in industrialized countries can result in less CO2 and methane emissions. WHO recommends 90g meat daily in industrialized countries. In developing and poorer countries meat intake may have to be increased. For healthy eating meat products can be replaced by meat alternatives such as fish, legumes and beans. One food serving (75g) of meat from animal source daily can reduce your carbon footprint while giving you the nutrition you require.

On average the food in your supermarket travels 1,500 miles from field to the supermarket. Buying local produce would reduce your carbon footprint by reducing food miles. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by using organic produce. Other foods are likely to be grown with petroleum based fertilizers and pesticides.

Energy
Each year1.5 million people die as a result of indoor air pollution. Cleaning air filters regularly can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One clean air filter can save 175lbs of CO2 per year. We would you see a reduction in the number of deaths due to indoor air pollution and occupational health hazards.

All authorities, institutions, health systems and countries can put health at the heart of their climate change policy.

Tips:

• Go for a run instead of driving to the gym
• Do your shopping on line instead of driving long distances
• Car pool to school or to work
• Buy organic produce
• Buy locally grown seasonal produce
• Use organic based personal care and beauty products
• Take the train instead of the plane
• Walk, cycle or take public transport.

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