Protecting Both Planetary and Human Health: Health and Global Policy Institute Proposes New Strategy to the Government
The Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) has released a new set of recommendations based on the concept of "Planetary Health," which views the Earth's environment and human health as interconnected. These recommendations are set against the backdrop of environmental issues such as climate change, which are significantly impacting our health. The core idea is that protecting the health of the planet ultimately leads to protecting human health.
HGPI's project team is calling for the government to incorporate this planetary health perspective into its upcoming "Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform" and "Growth Strategy." They emphasize that improving the global environment is not just about protecting nature, but is an essential element for maintaining people's health and stabilizing society.
A particularly notable aspect of these recommendations is the idea of turning the climate crisis into an "opportunity" for the economy and growth. Rather than viewing environmental measures as an economic burden, the goal is to use them as a catalyst for developing new medical technologies and creating eco-friendly businesses, thereby leading to new economic growth for Japan.
Japan currently faces numerous challenges, including an aging population and an increase in natural disasters. In this context, there is a strong demand for a "Japanese-style" strategy that simultaneously improves the environment, health, and the economy. Attention is now focused on how these recommendations will be reflected in the government's specific policies moving forward.