Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) Planetary Health Project has released a policy recommendations titled, “Achieving a Sustainable Society of Health and Longevity Through the Integration of Environment and Healthcare—Incorporating a Planetary Health Perspective into the 3rd Phase of The Healthcare Policy.”

The Healthcare Policy promoted by the Japanese government is a key cross-ministerial initiative aimed at extending the healthy life expectancy of its citizens while fostering the sustainable development of society and the economy through advancements in medical research and the creation of new industries. In its 3rd phase, it has become evident that global challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss are having direct and significant impacts on human health. Addressing these challenges requires policies that move beyond the conventional boundaries of healthcare, integrating the perspective of planetary health, which considers the interdependence of human health and the global environment.

During the Global Health Strategy Promotion Council held in November 2024, the importance of “Climate Change and Health” was emphasized as a cross-ministerial initiative. Key measures include the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s (MHLW) participation in the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), support by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) for the global deployment of environmental infrastructure and decarbonization technologies, and the Ministry of the Environment’s (MOE) Adaptwell climate change health risk assessment system.

This policy proposal presents specific recommendations aimed at addressing the health impacts of climate change, reducing environmental burdens, and achieving a sustainable society of health and longevity, with a focus on goals extending into the 2040s.

■Key Recommendations:

1. Addressing the Health Impacts of Climate Change

• Conduct climate vulnerability assessments and identify high-risk areas.
• Introduce early warning systems to mitigate health risks caused by extreme weather and air pollution.

2. Building a Sustainable Healthcare System

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting medical healthcare transformation (DX) and telemedicine.
• Advance the reduction of medical waste and the adoption of remanufacturing technologies.

3. Decarbonization and Promotion of Environmentally Conscious Products in Healthcare

• Improve energy efficiency in medical facilities and promote the use of renewable energy.
• Support research and development of treatments and pharmaceuticals with lower environmental impacts.

4. Demonstrating International Leadership

• Realize “Greener Universal Health Coverage (UHC)” by integrating environmental considerations into UHC initiatives.
• Contribute to international rule-making on the integrated challenges of health and the environment.

Incorporating the perspective of planetary health is key to achieving a sustainable society of health and longevity. The 3rd Phase of The Healthcare Policy must recognize the intricate connection between the global environment and human health, advancing initiatives that simultaneously promote environmental conservation and health improvement.

Through concrete policy proposals addressing climate change and health, HGPI aims to support Japan in demonstrating international leadership in the fields of healthcare and environmental sustainability.

For more details, please refer to the PDF linked below.