PHI Statement on Paris Climate Change Agreement

STATEMENT FROM MATTHEW MARSOM, PHI VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC POLICY AND PROGRAMS

“The Public Health Institute welcomes the historic and ambitious agreement on climate change carved out by world leaders of 195 countries at the COP21 meeting in Paris.

“Ambition alone won’t curb the effects climate change is already having on health, however, with over 400,000 deaths a year linked directly to climate change and an additional seven million connected to air pollution alone. These impacts are greatest amongst already vulnerable populations including women, children, the elderly and the impoverished.

“The path has been laid out, now we must begin the important work to implement the agreement. Leaders must now hold themselves steady to the course, and accountable to their commitments. And we need to continue to push our leaders, and ourselves, to reach even further: every action to reduce or mitigate climate change is also an opportunity to build better health and equity.

“We are confident that the leadership, collaboration and urgency evidenced this week toward the health of our planet will also be extended to unite around the health of our people. We thank leaders, citizens and organizations from around the globe for their action.”