Rima J Isaifan, associate professor, College of Science and Engineering, HBKU, along with Chokri Kooli, a professor at the University of Ottawa noted in the research paper titled ‘Highlights on the unavoidable impact of climate change on public health policy’ that during the Covid-19 lock down period globally, air quality and ambient air pollution were considerably impacted and contributed to the reduction of associated deaths and the improvement of public health.
However according to the researchers, such respite was momentary as after the lock down, industrial activities generated higher levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon emissions conjugated with the deterioration of the quality of the air around the world.Having citizens less opportunistic, egoist, and egocentric could save the earth and future generations,’ the report concludes
“The Russian / Ukrainian war worsened the situation of the planet by adding more pressure on energy supplies and consumption. With the possibility of relying more on coal, the health impacts of air pollution and climate change would become more visible. Unchallenged climate change seems to have the capacity to destroy decades of global health advancements,” the research paper highlighted.
The researchers emphasised that ethics and ethical values need to be strengthened among different stakeholders to face these challenges. “Business ethics, industrial ethics, and environmental ethics are a few among several disciplines that need to be taught to future generations. We need to sensitise students better about the importance of ethical investments and industrial developments that care about environmental challenges. Future policies need to take into consideration the importance of teaching ethics in educational programmes,” noted the researchers.
“A huge amount of work is necessary in order to raise the awareness of future generations about the negative outcomes of climate change on public health. The educative efforts need to start at the early stages of life. Schools need to show children the importance of preserving our planet and the dangers of climate change on public health. Working with future generations will help to mitigate the environmental carelessness of most of the actual planet’s citizens. For sure, such initiatives need political and financial support.”
According to the researchers supporting research and development on climate change needs to be strengthened through two axes, “Nations need to adopt national policies, laws, and regulations that support climate protection. Then, we need to support research and development in order to conceive echo-friendly products and production processes. Both axes must prioritise climate technologies like renewable energies and energy-efficient practices.”
The research also highlights that as the United Nations projections presuppose that intensive earth protection efforts will limit the increase of the earth’s temperature by at least 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century, adaptation to climate change becomes evident and showing that climate resilience becomes necessary.
“Nations and citizens need to be prepared for the coming consequences of climate change. Also, governmental bodies and policymakers need to build resilient societies, take action and adapt life to actual and future challenges and consequences of climate change,” it points out.
“We still can decide about the health and future of forthcoming generations. Having citizens less opportunistic, egoist, and egocentric could save the earth and future generations,’ the report concluded.