Built environment, climate change, and health: Opportunities for co-benefits

The earth's climate is changing, largely due to greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activity. These human-generated gases derive in part from aspects of the built environment such as transportation systems and infrastructure, building construction and operation, and land use planning. Transportation, the largest end-use consumer of energy, affects human health directly through air pollution and subsequent respiratory effects, as well as indirectly through physical activity behavior. Through the materials utilized, siting decisions, electricity and water usage, and landscape surroundings, buildings contribute to climate change, influence transportation alternatives, and impact health. Land use, forestry, and agriculture also contribute to climate change and impact health by increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, shaping the infrastructures for both transportation and buildings, and affecting access to green spaces. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected with regard to transportation, buildings, and land use, and are at most risk for experiencing climate change effects. Working across sectors to incorporate a health promotion approach in the design and development of built environment components may mitigate climate change, promote adaptation, and improve public health.