The World Health Organization (WHO) has presented a report analyzing the economic and fiscal returns from large-scale implementation of six recommended climate and health measures. These measures concern improving water supply systems, introducing hygiene and using clean fuels.
Key areas and economic impact
Among the six measures that could have a significant impact, the following areas stand out:
- implementing heat-health early warning systems
- developing climate-resilient water services
- expanding basic sanitation services
- introducing hygiene products and handwashing devices
- using "cleaner" fuels and technologies for cooking and heating
- effective fossil fuel pricing policies
According to the experts' estimates, the total economic return from these measures could reach $3.9 trillion annually, while they could provide the global economy with an additional $5.4 trillion a year in fiscal revenues.
Environmental and financial potential
Implementing these measures would prevent 16.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, equivalent to 31 years of global greenhouse gas emissions excluding land use. In addition, according to the experts, for five of the six measures, every dollar invested will yield $24 in benefits.
The greatest returns from these measures are expected to be seen in low- and middle-income countries.
Context
The WHO report is the first comprehensive analysis devoted to the economic and fiscal returns from implementing such a large-scale set of recommendations.
