research
The macro-economic effects of health co-benefits associated with climate change
mitigation strategies
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Abstract
The UK government has specific targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction to
lower the risk of dangerous climate change. Strategies to reduce GHG emissions are
sometimes perceived as expensive and difficult to implement but previous work has
demonstrated significant potential health co-benefits from ‘Active Travel and low carbon
driving’, ‘Housing Insulation/Ventilation’, and ‘Healthy Diet’ scenarios which may be
attractive to policymakers. Here a Computable General Equilibrium model is used to assess
the financial effects of such health co-benefits on the wider economy including changes in
labour force, social security payments and healthcare costs averted. Results suggest that for
all scenarios the financial impacts of the health co-benefits will be positive and increased
active travel in particular is likely to make a substantial contribution, largely due to health
care costs averted.
Strategies to reduce GHG emissions and improve health are likely to result in substantial and
increasing positive contributions to the economy which may offset some potential economic
costs and thereby be seen more favourably in times of economic austerity