India | Study finds healthcare professionals support climate action, role of health sector crucial

India | Study finds healthcare professionals support climate action, role of health sector crucial

The largest ever survey on climate change conducted among over 3000 healthcare professionals in India, has revealed that the health sector should play a crucial role in action and advocacy on climate change in India. Over 85% respondents believed that the healthcare sector has a responsibility to address climate change and reduce their own carbon footprint. 3062 healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, hospital administrators, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) health staff and healthcare students were surveyed in this study conducted between …

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India | Huma Lung Foundation launches radio advisories on air pollution and health

What if, along with the traffic and weather updates on the radio, you could also learn about the current air quality and how it affects your health? A radio station in Chennai, India, is doing just that.

In a first-of-its-kind effort, Huma Lung Foundation (HLF) in collaboration with Fever FM 91.9 are providing “Air Check” – air quality and health updates to the city of Chennai through its popular daily show Lose Control and on HLF’s website. Modeled around the traffic updates on radio, “Air Check” gives information about the Air …

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Global | Health organization leaders launch global campaign on air pollution

Global | Health organization leaders launch global campaign on air pollution

Unmask My City is global initiative by doctors, nurses, public health practitioners, and allied healthcare professionals dedicated to improving air quality and reducing emissions in our cities.

Launching today on World Asthma Day, Unmask My City, a global initiative in 10 cities on five continents, aims to promote practical solutions and create tangible policy changes that drive a clear, downward global trend in urban air pollution by 2030.

This will result in significant reductions in illnesses and deaths as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Through Unmask My …

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South Africa | Billboard Campaign on Health Impacts of Coal

With road-side billboards stating “Coal pollution is killing your family” and “Coal pollution is destroying your health,” the Healthy Energy Initiative’s South African partner, groundWork, is raising awareness about the impacts of coal on health. The billboards were installed in English and isiZulu in communities impacted by pollution from the coal industry.

The billboard campaign follows the successful launch of the documentary “The Bliss of Ignorance.”

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India | Former Power Secretary Rejects Coal, Supports Healthy Energy

Mr. Sarma speaking at the Healthy Energy Initiative’s Satellite Session at the 14th World Congress on Public Health in Kolkata, India, in February 2015

In an op-ed in the Guardian, EAS Sarma, a former secretary of India’s ministry of power, presented an evidence-backed rebuttal to claims from the coal industry and its allies that coal is critical to the welfare of Indians.

Mr. Sarma writes, “Australian coal, like any other coal, is not good for Indian people’s health and it will not deliver electricity to those who are currently …

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India | Lung specialist: Draft emission rules allow new coal plants to pollute

In an op-ed, an eminent Chennai-based lung specialist issues an unflattering critique of the health implications India’s proposed emissions standards for coal-fired power plants. Noting the proposed standards’ failure to adequately address the persistent health impacts of mercury pollution, the cumulative health impacts from multiple pollution sources, air pollution from existing coal plants, and the regional nature of air pollution, Dr. Husamuddin Papa concludes that “India’s environmental policy and regulations do not reflect a health-based understanding.” Dr. Papa cautions that, “well-planned development can contribute to national economy; ill-planned development that does not …

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Philippines | Health Care Without Harm-Asia Calls for a Shift to Healthier, Renewable Energy on Earth Day

Dr. Renzo Guinto (in black), Campaigner of Health Care Without Harm-Asia’s Healthy Energy Initiative, with climate justice activists and pro-renewable energy advocates

In commemoration of Earth Day, Health Care Without Harm-Asia, through its Healthy Energy Initiative, joined hands with climate justice groups, nongovernmental organizations, and grassroots people’s movement in launching Power for People (P4P), a year-long campaign that seeks to intensify the push for Renewable Energy (REnergy) Transformation in the Philippines.

The P4P campaign builds on the Davao Declaration, which was signed by various civil …

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Philippines | HCWH Calls on French and Philippine Presidents to Include Health in Climate Treaty

Health Care Without Harm-Asia (HCWH-Asia), called on French President Francois Hollande and Philippine President Benigno Aquino III to “not forget public health as a central element in climate action – climate justice is health justice.”

Hollande, who will be arriving in Manila on Thursday, February 26, is on a state visit to, among others, “highlight the Philippines as a partner in the fight against climate change,” according to the website of the French Embassy.

In December, France is hosting the 21st Conference of Parties …

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