[From Health Progress] Can community benefit programs that improve health also have a positive impact on climate change and the environment? The answer can be yes. Take this example: A hospital joins with others to advocate for healthier, sustainable and local food in restaurants and schools. It is addressing such multiple community health needs as:

Adult and childhood obesity and associated health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

• Poor diets leading to heart disease and stroke
• Environmental consequences of pesticides and energy-intensive fertilizers
• Climate change risks because of long-distance food transport with associated fossil fuel emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from meat production

As community benefit programs are planned and carried out, the health effects described above — a decrease in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease — are apparent. What is less apparent are the health effects related to protecting the environment and addressing factors that drive climate change. These can be significant and impact the health and well-being of our communities. (Continue reading)