Two actions in One: mitigating climate change and preventing obesity

POU SA; NICLIS C

Health, Climate and the Environment in Latin America and the Caribbean

Instituto Interamericano para la Investigación del Cambio Global (IAI) y Latinoamerica21

Lugar: Montevideo; Año: 2024; p. 56 - 61

Climate change and the obesity epidemic are two of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. These issues often coexist, affecting the same populations, making it crucial to find solutions that address both simultaneously. Promoting the use of bicycles as urban transportation and encouraging specific food production and consumption practices—such as reducing packaged foods and increasing agroecological production—are tangible actions that offer dual benefits. These initiatives not only protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also improve public health by preventing obesity and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.This article explores the connection between climate change and the obesity epidemic, highlighting actions that provide co-benefits for both issues. It presents examples from the region, including the recently launched public bicycle service in Córdoba, Argentina. Additionally, the concept of the Global Syndemic is introduced as an innovative framework that could be instrumental in developing integrated solutions to these two significant global challenges.