Global Compact International Yearbook 2016

URBAN HEALTH
MexICo CItY: tHe lINK BetWeeN ClIMate CHaNGe aND HealtH
each week 1.4 million people move into cities. tackling
climate change and reducing cities’ greenhouse gas emissions
is not just important because of global warming but
also for the health and wellbeing of urban citizens around
the world. Green policies provide cleaner air, new jobs,
increased levels of city revenue, and many other benefits.
“Mexico City has seen first-hand how policies designed to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions can have far-reaching,
positive effects on the health and wellbeing of our citizens,”
says Mexico City Mayor Miguel Ángel Mancera.
Novo Nordisk and the C40 Cities Climate leadership Group
(C40) have announced a research-based partnership aimed
at establishing the idea that green policies in cities are
beneficial to both the environment and the health of the
citizens. at the heart of the partnership lies the pivotal role
of cities in the fight against climate change and poor health.
City lifestyles are contributing to the diabetes epidemic,
and two-thirds of the world’s 415 million people living with
the condition can be found in urban areas. Meanwhile, the
rapid rise of cities accounts for two-thirds of global energy
consumption and more than 70 percent of Co 2
emissions.
From bike-share schemes to adaptation efforts that lessen
the impact of floods and heatwaves, civic leaders are already
making decisions that will reduce emissions and deliver
additional benefits to their citizens. the research will help
city leaders to build a case for other specific climate actions
that will have the greatest impact on both emission
reductions and improved health and prosperity.
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Global Compact International Yearbook 2016