Promoting healthy ageing in Asia-Pacific through action on climate and air pollution

The interaction between climate change, air pollution and health is a critical challenge for the 21st century. There is currently insufficient understanding of how increased investments to foster healthy living can protect older people from the combined impacts of air pollution and climate change and enable healthier lifestyles. Such investments might include measures to reduce exposure to climate-related health hazards, and encouraging healthier diets and physical activity. Investment of this nature is particularly important in the Asia-Pacific region, where populations are ageing and are vulnerable to both poor air quality and the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves caused by climate change. This policy brief provides evidence to support policymakers in mobilising capital for a just, resilient transition to net zero, by highlighting the potential health co-benefits of addressing the risks from heat and air pollution in combination.