Importance of GHG Accounting: A Public Health Imperative in Climate Action

a). Health Co-benefits

One of the most compelling aspects of ‘GHG Accounting’ is its ability to uncover health co-benefits associated with emissions reduction measures. For instance, policies aimed at promoting clean energy sources not only mitigate climate change but also reduce air pollution, thereby alleviating respiratory ailments and improving overall air quality. By quantifying these co-benefits, ‘GHG Accounting’ strengthens the case for adopting sustainable practices that yield dividends for both the environment and public health. For instance, A study featured in Environmental International in 2018, revealed 20% reduction in NO2 concentration in Copenhagen Municipality caused 6.1% Asthma prevalence reduction for men and 6.6% in women. In addition to it, 15.9% COPD prevalence reduction was observed for men and 12.3% reduction in females. Although the study does not explicitly discuss the decrease in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it implies that strategies and policies focused on mitigating air pollution from traffic, such as decreasing exposure to NO2 through initiatives like environmental zones, road pricing or encouraging the use of public and active transportation, may result in improvement in public health [1].

Therefore, it is anticipated that Copenhagen’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2025 through the utilization of ‘GHG Accounting’ methods to mitigate emissions stemming from various sectors such as transportation, heating, and industrial activities will reduce the climate change- related public health issues [3]. The collection of data and implementation of interventions play a crucial role in this endeavour. One such intervention includes the promotion of cycling and the establishment of an extensive network of bike lanes, both of which have led to a substantial decrease in emissions. Another key initiative involves the efficient utilization of waste heat from power plants alongside the integration of renewable energy sources. Moreover, efforts to enhance public health have been made, particularly in terms of respiratory health [2].

b). Promoting Sustainable Practices

At its core, ‘GHG Accounting’ serves as a catalyst for promoting sustainable practices across sectors. The transportation, energy, agriculture, or healthcare organizations, can leverage emissions data to drive innovation, optimize resource use and reduce their environmental footprint. In the realm of public health, healthcare facilities are increasingly embracing sustainability initiatives that not only reduce emissions but also enhance patient care and staff well-being. By integrating ‘GHG Accounting’ into sustainability efforts, these organizations demonstrate their commitment to advancing both environmental stewardship and public health [1].

The illustration of Rajkot city in Gujarat, exemplifies how different GHG accounting initiatives on a global or national scale play a significant role promote sustainable practices and help in mitigating carbon emissions. Rajkot as a member of the C40 Cities network, established a target to decrease its carbon emissions by 14% by 2016, based on levels from 2011. It was among the pioneering cities to adopt the Global Protocol for Community- Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories (GPC), facilitating strategic planning and execution of measures to attain this reduction objective. The criterion for the selection of Rajkot city as a study area was based on its effective utilization of solar power, aiming to enhance the environmental sustainability of the municipal corporation. Two of the three Rajkot municipal offices operate on solar energy, with a majority of streetlights replaced by energy-efficient LED fixtures, and all local parks illuminated by solar-powered lights. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on promoting the installation of solar water heaters in high-rise residential buildings, coupled with a one-time tax rebate incentive [8].

c). Education and Advocacy

The importance of ‘GHG Accounting’ is quite notable in the domain of education and advocacy. Through the dissemination of knowledge regarding the health ramifications of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, various stakeholders have the capacity to mobilize backing for measures and strategies that prioritize public health and environmental sustainability. Whether at the grassroots level or in the domain of high-level policy formulation, well-informed discussions guided by data on ‘GHG Accounting’ are essential for catalyzing significant transformations and fostering a climate-resilient culture and equitable health outcomes [1]. One such example is the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) In July 2023, which incorporated additional environmental, social, and governance (ESG) parameters for obligatory disclosure within the framework of the ‘Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) Core’ applicable to select publicly traded firms in India. The BRSR template was originally unveiled in May 2021, supplanting the erstwhile Business Responsibility Report (BRR). BRSR necessitates comprehensive disclosure concerning environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, encompassing precise measurements of GHG emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2, and potentially Scope 3 emissions), objectives for reducing emissions, and strategies for managing climate risks [9].