Eye Health & Climate Action: Responsible Consumption & Production

Eye Health and Climate Change: Responsible Consumption & Production

Date: Wednesday, 1^st December

Time: 08:45 am EST

Climate change and eye health are linked in a cause-and-effect cycle that threatens to undo decades of progress in global health.

As a follow-up to the recent Climate Action Conference (COP26), the United Nations (UN) Friends of Vision are bringing together UN Diplomats and agencies, as well as academics, environmentalist and eye health experts to discuss the impact of eye health on the climate and how climate change will disrupt critical eye care services.

This virtual event will build upon the work of IAPB’s Climate Action Working Group and focus on the links between eye health and Sustainable Development Goal 12 – responsible consumption and production – and call upon the sector to mitigate its carbon footprint, reduce its environmental impact and support climate resilience.

Aim: This event will raise awareness of how climate change is a health issue, not just an environment issue, and that planetary health is a key component to improving quality of eye care. It will also address how environmentally sustainable eye health services are required to make progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Format: Moderator-led discussion with panel followed by Q & A with the audience

Talking Points:

• Changing Health Care Needs: All countries will experience the health impacts of climate change. Those with, or at higher risk of visual impairment and disabilities, will be disproportionately impacted.
• Consumption and Production in Eye Health Care: SDG 12 calls upon the eye sector to mitigate its carbon footprint, reduce its environmental impact and support climate resilience.
• Eye Health, Climate and Vulnerable Populations: The effects of climate change on eye health vary by region and season, but they are harsher on those already living in marginal conditions.
• Call to Action: Embed environmental sustainability within all operations of healthcare sector and ensure strategies promote equity and fairness for vulnerable populations