Philippines | Strong institutions, policies, professionals needed to mainstream Health Impact Assessments

Philippines | Strong institutions, policies, professionals needed to mainstream Health Impact Assessments

This post was originally published by HCWH-Asia.

On March 9, 2016, as part of the workshop organized by Health Care Without Harm-Asia entitled “Towards Healthy Energy Choices in the Philippines: Promoting the Use of Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for Energy Policies and Projects,” representatives from various stakeholder organizations engaged in a dynamic discussion about the future of HIA in the Philippines.

From L to R: Dr. Renzo Guinto (Healthy Energy Initiative); Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho (Asian Development Bank); Engr. Regina Paula Eugenio (Department of Environment and Natural Resources); Engr. Bonifacio …

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Europe | €8.5 billion in health costs from Balkan coal plants prompt call for EU policy rethink

Europe | €8.5 billion in health costs from Balkan coal plants prompt call for EU policy rethink

New study quantifies the public health costs of polluted air from existing coal-fired power plants in the Western Balkans at up to 8.5 EUR billion per year, according to a new study from the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), Healthy Energy Initiative’s Europe partner. The costings of the significant health damage should prompt a rethink on the EU’s policy approach to the region, said HEAL. Read more.

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Australia | CCA urged to consider 1.5 degree pathway in climate policy options for Australia

Australia | CCA urged to consider 1.5 degree pathway in climate policy options for Australia

The Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA, the Healthy Energy Initiative’s partner in Australia) has urged the Federal Government and the Climate Change Authority to reconsider and re-evaluate its recommendations for emissions reductions, in light of the 2015 Paris Agreement. This Agreement includes a new obligation for all nations to “pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre- industrial levels”.

CAHA Member groups met with the Climate Change Authority recently to discuss the CCA Draft Report on Climate Policy Options. CAHA has compiled a submission …

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US | Health Care Climate Council Supports EPA Clean Power Plan

The Health Care Climate Council, established by Health Care Without Harm and representing hospitals across the United States that are committed to addressing the health impacts of climate change, supports the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. The EPA plan sets the first-ever federal limits on dangerous carbon pollution from existing power plants, cuts the single largest source of the carbon pollution, and safeguards public health from the harmful effects of carbon pollution.

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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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Australia | Health groups call for tough emissions cuts with no new coal-mines and coal power closure

Australia’s post 2020 CO2 emissions reduction targets should cut emissions ‘as quickly as possible’, the Climate and Health Alliance has said in its submission to the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet UNFCCC taskforce.

The alliance of 28 health sector stakeholders has set out a schedule for emissions cuts that would see Australia reach zero emissions in 2040, with a minimum target of 20% reduction of 2000 CO2 levels by 2020; 40% by 2025; 60% by 2030; 80% by 2035; and negative net emissions by …

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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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