Conclusion: Integrating Sustainable Development and Health Adaptation

Abstract

This chapter summarises the key understandings developed in the book, in terms of the key challenges and efforts made so far to address these. Effective adaptation in the near term includes meeting the basic public health measures such as clean water, sanitation, vaccination and child health services, just as much as increasing capacity for disaster preparedness. A two pronged strategy is advocated—in terms of what can be done within existing programs and policies to reduce climate related impacts and what new areas deserve focus in an interface between health and climate change to reduce the adverse impacts. The current approaches for achieving sustainable development and the processes for adaptation, concerns of resource availability, information, and guidelines is discussed along with learnings from the historical experiences of the world in addressing health sector challenges in the past. Building institutional capacities, training and knowledge transfer, being inclusive in targeting vulnerable populations, awareness creation and budgeting for resources for these are as crucial as getting in place the right infrastructure. The chapter makes key recommendations for adaptation actions and opportunities in the specific context that developing economies find themselves in today.