The Health Impacts of Energy Choices is a set of resources (including a briefing paper, a fact sheet, and two graphics) developed by the Healthy Energy Initiative that summarize the key health considerations in energy systems and energy policy. The resources were developed for health care and public health professionals, but they are accessible to a broad, global audience. As part of the Healthy Energy Toolbox, these resources can be freely used to support education, outreach, communications, and advocacy about the relationship between human health, energy, and climate change.
Briefing Paper
Published October 2015
Synopsis: The exploitation of fossil fuels for energy generation has serious implications for human health through its contribution to both local pollution and global climate change. These health impacts also accrue into a heavy and largely unaccounted-for economic burden borne by communities, governments, and health systems. Health and climate co-benefits can be achieved by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to clean, renewable energy. The health sector can play an important role in improving public understanding of the health impacts of energy choices and strengthening policy responses.
This briefing paper also features an exclusive comparison table of the public health, occupational health, and climate-related health implications of various energy sources.
DOWNLOAD:
- Low-resolution for screen (PDF, 1.1 MB)
- High-resolution for print (PDF, 9.2 MB)
Fact Sheet
Published July 2016
“The Health Impacts of Energy Choices” is a Healthy Energy Initiative Fact Sheet that outlines how the generation, distribution, and consumption of energy can have both positive and negative impacts on the health of communities, workers, and the global climate. It contains an infographic of the pathways through which energy production leads to environmental disruption and ultimately health outcomes. It also features an updated, graphical comparison chart of various energy sources in terms of their implications for public health, occupational health, and climate change.
DOWNLOAD:
- Low-resolution for screen (PDF, 1.2 MB)
- High-resolution for print (PDF, 8.0 MB)
Graphics
Published July 2016
1) The Health Impacts of Energy Choices – Infographic
This infographic depicts the pathways through which energy production leads to environmental disruption and ultimately health outcomes.
DOWNLOAD:
- JPG – Image file (3.4 MB)
- PPTX – PowerPoint file (0.9 MB)
2) A Comparison of the Health Impacts of Energy Choices
This graphical comparison chart summarizes the impacts of various energy sources on public health, occupational health, and climate change. Its color-coded icons provide a snapshot of the relative severity of health risks from each energy source.
DOWNLOAD:
- JPG – Image file (3.4 MB)
- PPTX – PowerPoint file (0.9 MB)
More Information
- If you are interested in having these materials translated, please contact us at healthyenergy@hcwh.org.
- To participate in a global health sector commitment to advancing healthy energy, endorse the Paris Platform for Healthy Energy.
- For additional resources from the Healthy Energy Initiative, visit the Tools & Resources page.
