Climate change and rising energy costs will change everything: a new mindset and action plan for 21st century public health.
Western governments currently prioritize economic growth and the pursuit of profit above alternative goals of sustainability, health and equality. Climate change and rising energy costs are challenging this consensus. The realization of the transformation required to meet these challenges has provoked denial and conflict, but could lead to a more positive response which leads to a health dividend; enhanced well-being, less overconsumption and greater equality. This paper argues that public health can make its best contribution by adopting a new mindset, discourse, methodology and set of tasks.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Dalian House, Glasgow, UK. gerry@sphsu.mrc.ac.uk
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D002980:Climate; D003246:Conservation of Energy Resources / Q000191:economics; D004467:Economics; D005544:Forecasting; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D006291:Health Policy / Q000191:economics*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D015980:Public Health Practice