The Environment & Health Nexus:
A Critical Call to Safeguard Our Youth’s Future

As we mark World Health Day on April 7th, the focus sharpens on the collective endeavours required to advance health equity. This year, under the theme “My health, my right,” we are reminded of our world’s interconnectedness and the imperative to safeguard children’s rights.

The environment in which children grow plays a pivotal role in shaping their health and development. From the air they breathe to the water they drink and the food they consume, every element has the potential to either nurture their growth or pose significant health risks. In recent years, the escalating environmental crisis, characterised by pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, has emerged as a formidable threat to children’s health and well-being.

Exposure to polluted air, for example, is linked to respiratory conditions like asthma, which can hinder a child’s ability to play, learn, and even perform daily activities. Similarly, the availability of clean water and nutritious food is fundamental to preventing diseases and fostering healthy physical and cognitive development. The reality, however, is that environmental degradation continues to compromise these basic necessities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including children, in low and middle-income countries.

“Over a quarter of all disease burden among children under 5 years of age are attributed to adverse environmental conditions,” said Dr Maria Neira, Director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, at the World Health Organization. “The need to act is clear: we must prioritise children’s environmental health to ensure a healthier future for generations to come.”

The Corporate Sector’s Responsibility

In the face of these challenges, the role of the corporate sector in mitigating environmental impacts on youth health becomes increasingly significant. Companies, regardless of their size or industry, are responsible for adopting sustainable practices that prioritise environmental stewardship and health promotion. This involves not only reducing emissions and waste, but also ensuring that their products and operations do not harm public health.

Moreover, businesses are uniquely positioned to drive innovation in sustainability, from developing cleaner technologies to supporting sustainable agriculture practices that secure the food supply chain. By integrating health and environmental considerations into their decision-making processes, companies can contribute to building healthier communities and, ultimately, a healthier planet.

Global Child Forum’s Benchmark Findings

Global Child Forum’s benchmark offers a critical assessment of corporate actions within the impact area of community and environment, revealing a complex picture of progress and challenges. While some companies have taken significant strides toward integrating child rights into their environmental policies and practices, there remains a substantial gap in the overall corporate landscape. The benchmark underscores the importance of companies not only mitigating their environmental footprint but also actively contributing to the communities in which they operate. This includes ensuring clean water access, reducing air pollution, and supporting sustainable local development initiatives that directly benefit children’s health and well-being.

However, the findings also indicate that many companies have yet to fully recognise or act upon their potential to influence children’s health outcomes through environmental stewardship. This gap suggests that businesses need increased awareness and action to prioritise environmental and community impacts as integral to their responsibility towards child rights. By doing so, companies can help safeguard the health of young people and contribute to the resilience and sustainability of the communities they touch, aligning their operations with the broader goals of World Health Day 2024 and beyond.

Mobilising for Change

This World Health Day 2024, let us renew our commitment to global action for universal health. By taking steps to protect our environment, we empower our youth, ensuring they have the foundation to lead healthier lives and become the change agents of tomorrow. After all, the health of our children is a reflection of the health of our society and our planet.

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