How cities can improve health and tackle climate change
A new publication in Nature Health argues that cities can deliver substantial public health benefits while accelerating climate action, positioning health as a primary driver, rather than a secondary benefit, of urban climate policy.
In the Comment article, “Eight urban action domains for improved climate-health outcomes“, researchers joined an international team led by Professor Felix Creutzig to identify eight areas where city-level climate action can generate direct, measurable health improvements alongside reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The authors highlight that cities are responsible for an estimated 62 to 72 per cent of consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions, making urban areas critical to achieving climate goals. At the same time, many of the interventions needed to reduce emissions can also improve health outcomes in the near term, creating tangible benefits for local communities.
The paper identifies eight urban action domains where climate and health objectives strongly align:
- Phasing out fossil fuel combustion to improve air quality
- Urban design and active travel
- Sustainable food systems
- Thermal comfort and the built environment
- Climate-resilient healthcare systems
- Ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions
- Waste management and prevention
- Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
The authors argue that these interventions offer a compelling policy opportunity because their health benefits are immediate and local, unlike many climate mitigation benefits, which are realised globally over longer timescales.
Current impacts associated with these domains are substantial. Ambient air pollution is estimated to contribute to around 8.3 million deaths annually, while physical inactivity is linked to between 3.2 and 5.3 million deaths each year. The paper also highlights evidence suggesting that widespread adoption of healthy and sustainable diets, such as the Planetary Health Diet, could prevent up to 15 million deaths annually worldwide.
The central message of the paper is that health should become a key entry point for urban climate action. By focusing on outcomes such as cleaner air, more active lifestyles, healthier diets and greater resilience to climate-related risks, policymakers can build stronger support for ambitious climate measures while delivering immediate benefits for citizens.
The authors also call for closer collaboration between urban climate and public health professionals and propose the development of shared metrics to help cities measure both emissions reductions and health outcomes.
The publication contributes to growing international discussions on the future of sustainable urban development and the post-2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda, demonstrating how integrated climate-health approaches can support healthier, more resilient cities.
Read the paper: Eight urban action domains for improved climate-health outcomes
A companion podcast exploring the ideas behind the research is also available.
