The sustainable development goals provide an important framework for addressing dangerous climate change and achieving wider public health benefits. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morton, S.; Pencheon, D.; Bickler, G.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 174(2019)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: Sustainable development goals -- Climate change -- Health policy -- Global health -- International health policy -- Health co-benefits; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.05.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To suggest how public health systems and the health sector can utilise the United Nation (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) to address climate change and other threats to future health and deliver immediate public health benefits. Study design and methods: We examined UN and World Health Organisation guidance on SDGs and other published texts on systems thinking, integration, universality and co-benefits. Results and conclusions: The UN SDGs are a set of globally agreed objectives to end poverty, protect all that makes the planet habitable and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, environmental and social), they apply to high-income countries as well as developing countries and there are mechanisms to hold countries to account. There are three crucial issues for public health. First, a systems approach to future proof health and social justice. Second, an evidence-based approach to aid communication, framing and engagement. And, third, the importance of interventions that deliver health co-benefits (i.e. both immediate and long-term benefits to health, equity and prosperity). The SDGs present public health professionals with an important opportunity to create the right conditions for a better future through the organised efforts of society. Highlights: The United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a set of globally agreed objectives to end poverty, protect all that makes the planet habitable and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, environmental and social), they apply to high-income countries as well as developing countries and there are mechanisms to hold countries to account. We suggest three approaches, from a public health perspective, that we think are worth exploring in more detail: Developing a systems approach to future proof health and social justice (particularly via the governance of agreed actions); Constructing a narrative to aid communication, framing and engagement on evidence-based practice and Focussing on interventions that can deliver most health co-benefits (i.e. both immediate and long-term benefits to health, equity and prosperity). The SDGs present public health professionals with an important opportunity to create the right conditions for a better future through the organised efforts of society. Getting the best health outcomes from SDG implementation will require a new form of systems thinking across the three dimensions of sustainable development (planet, people and prosperity). To do this, we may need to make new alliances and broaden our narrative to communicate the many co-benefits from good evidence-based practice on sustainability.