SMASH Public Health Briefings
SMaSH is in the process of developing a series of sustainability briefings for public health.
What is the link between sustainable development and health?
United Nations – Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development: “Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.” (Rio Declaration on the Environment and Development)
What are the benefits from sustainable development?
Health gains from sustainable development are:
- Social
- Environmental
- Economic
(WHO. Measuring Health Gains for Sustainable Development –http://www.who.int/hia/green_economy/sustainable_development_summary1.pdf)
What drives the work of SMaSH?
The Scottish Government outcomes set the direction of travel for the economic sustainable development agenda:
- Greener
- Safer and stronger
- Wealthier and fairer
- Healthier
- Smarter
It is important to ensure a balance between social, economic and environmental harm/return.
What are the elements of sustainable development related to climate change?
- Buildings – energy consumption
- Transport
- Procurement
- Water
- Waste
- Biodiversity
- Natural environment and greenspace
What are the links between health and the sustainable development elements? A series of briefings will be developed to explore the links.
The following are available under ‘Briefings’:
- Water, Climate Change and Public Health
- Transport