“On this World Health Day, we are calling on everyone to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all, where economies are focused on planetary and human health and well-being, where healthy, people-centered cities, villages and communities create conditions for people to lead better lives. Let us all protect our health – and our planet. There is no Planet B,” reads the UN Joint Statement on World Health Day.
The UN notes that our health and the health of our planet are inextricably linked, while the imperative to focus on creating healthy societies on a healthy planet is crystal clear.
At the same time, human-caused health threats like air pollution, ecosystem degradation, and the production and consumption of tobacco are exacerbating damage to our planet, the Organization said.
“Tens of thousands of tons of extra medical waste from the response to the COVID-19 pandemic have put tremendous strain on health care waste management systems, threatening human and environmental health. Global food security faces the most severe challenges in years. Food loss and waste, pests and diseases, natural disasters, loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction, and conflict – are major impediments to meeting the world population’s ever-growing food needs.
“As Georgia strives to address the economic and social crisis brought on by the pandemic, World Health Day serves as a reminder that innovative ideas and new ways of working are needed to ‘build back better’. We need to transform agri-food systems, promote sustainable agriculture, forestry and fishery practices, and make a systemic shift towards green energy and net-zero emissions. We need a world that is cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.
“Humans contribute to environmental degradation through unsustainable behavioral patterns. We must be part of the solution in addressing the single biggest health threat that humanity faces – the climate crisis.
“The United Nations reaffirms its strong commitment to assisting Georgia to build a resilient and healthier society. On this World Health Day, we are calling on everyone to reimagine a world where clean air, water and food are available to all, where economies are focused on planetary and human health and well-being, where healthy, people-centered cities, villages and communities create conditions for people to lead better lives.
“Let us all protect our health – and our planet. There is no Planet B,” reads the statement.
