Climate change and human survival

McCoy, David; Montgomery, Hugh; Arulkumaran, Sabaratnam; Godlee, Fiona

doi:10.1136/bmj.g2351

Cited by 30 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…Wind-based energy represents a clean resource that does not produce any known chemical emissions or harmful wastes. As highlighted in a recent editorial in the British Medical Journal, reducing air pollution can provide significant health benefits, including reducing asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, and heart disease, which in turn could provide significant savings for health care systems (101). By following our proposed health-based best practices for wind turbine siting, wind energy developers, the media, members of the public and government agencies can work together to ensure that the full potential of this renewable energy source is met.…”

Section: Weight Of Evidence Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wind Turbines and Human Health

Knopper

Ollson

McCallum

et al. 2014

Front. Public Health

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The association between wind turbines and health effects is highly debated. Some argue that reported health effects are related to wind turbine operation [electromagnetic fields (EMF), shadow flicker, audible noise, low-frequency noise, infrasound]. Others suggest that when turbines are sited correctly, effects are more likely attributable to a number of subjective variables that result in an annoyed/stressed state. In this review, we provide a bibliographic-like summary and analysis of the science around this issue specifically in terms of noise (including audible, low-frequency noise, and infrasound), EMF, and shadow flicker. Now there are roughly 60 scientific peer-reviewed articles on this issue. The available scientific evidence suggests that EMF, shadow flicker, low-frequency noise, and infrasound from wind turbines are not likely to affect human health; some studies have found that audible noise from wind turbines can be annoying to some. Annoyance may be associated with some self-reported health effects (e.g., sleep disturbance) especially at sound pressure levels >40 dB(A). Because environmental noise above certain levels is a recognized factor in a number of health issues, siting restrictions have been implemented in many jurisdictions to limit noise exposure. These setbacks should help alleviate annoyance from noise. Subjective variables (attitudes and expectations) are also linked to annoyance and have the potential to facilitate other health complaints via the nocebo effect. Therefore, it is possible that a segment of the population may remain annoyed (or report other health impacts) even when noise limits are enforced. Based on the findings and scientific merit of the available studies, the weight of evidence suggests that when sited properly, wind turbines are not related to adverse health. Stemming from this review, we provide a number of recommended best practices for wind turbine development in the context of human health.

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Section: Weight Of Evidence Conclusionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wind Turbines and Human Health

Knopper

Ollson

McCallum

et al. 2014

Front. Public Health

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“…The science of global warming is beyond dispute and beyond denial. 1 In 2011, Christopher Rapley (Professor of Climate Science, University College London, and former Director of the British Antarctic Survey) summarised the science using four critical questions:…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing the carbon footprint of health organisations: eight lessons for implementation

Charlesworth¹,

Stewart²,

Sainsbury³

2018

Pub Health Res Pract

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Background: The scientific evidence for global warming is overwhelming. Health organisations, as large carbon polluters, are at significant 'carbon risk' and must act to reduce their carbon emissions. Many environmental sustainability initiatives, if properly implemented, would not only reduce harm, waste and pollution but also deliver health, social and financial benefits. Method: We have been involved for more than a decade in efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of New South Wales (NSW) Health organisations in which we have worked. We draw on our collective experience to offer eight key lessons about implementing environmental sustainability initiatives in health organisations. Results: Sustainability plans have been developed in at least three Area Health Services/Local Health Districts in NSW, but in each case they have been imperfectly implemented. Lessons learnt: Based on our experience, we offer eight key lessons relating to leadership, engagement and developing networks, data, complex adaptive systems, broadening the issue, and political factors.

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“…Despite hundreds of recent scientific studies showing a profound causal relationship between air pollution and declines in public health [5], political and media maneuvering by fossil fuel companies and the overwhelming and frightening prospect of climate change have obscured the connections between our economic behavior and our daily practice decisions. A key to overcoming this hurdle is changing the conversation from a political confrontation to a discussion about best health practices.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%