EcoHealth Action Over Lifetimes: Unity of Spirit, Voice, and Deeds

Excerpt

In response to Frumkin and Watts’ (2018) observation of the trilateral advance of the Lancet Countdown, Planetary Health, and the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, there is much to be hopeful for and yet to be very mindful of. Note that The Lancet Commissions have changed their tone significantly from the 2009 opening statement ‘Climate change is the biggest global health threat of the 21st century’ (Costello et al 2009: 1693) to the more positive position of ‘tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century’ (Watts et al 2015:1861). It appears that the Lancet Countdown started with the threats and then opportunities in a SWOT (Strengths Weakness Opportunities Threats) analysis of climate change and health; as such, the strengths and weaknesses are also valid areas for consideration. The authors of the 2015 Lancet Commission on climate change are to be commended for shifting the focus to one that enables individuals and groups to think and act in positive and meaningful ways. The more recent Lancet Countdown (Watts et al 2018) is useful for providing indicators that highlight areas of improvement. Of concern, however, is the closing statement of the Countdown report: ‘…these indicators of impact and response progress up until 2030 will clearly shape the health of nations for centuries to come’ (Watts et al 2018:33). Action required now with an impact that lasts beyond lifetimes and with results that will not be seen in a lifetime is very difficult to convince the many sectors of the public (and as such, can be an ongoing weakness); however, this is the reality we currently face. …