Addressing the Triple Planetary Crisis for Sri Lanka’s health

By Nuzla Rizkiya

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the triple planetary crisis as the most significant health threat of the 21st century. It endangers billions of lives and livelihoods across every continent, threatening systems upon which humanity depends, according to the organization.

In Sri Lanka, these issues are particularly found to be pertaining due to the country's unique geographical and ecological characteristics. Both state institutions and the private sector are now stressing the need to address the challenges.

What is the Triple Planetary Crisis?

The triple planetary crisis explains that climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss, have the most significant health threat for the century. The complexity of their interconnections and their collective impact on human health, ecosystems, and economies have made them a critical focus for global policy and action.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to the long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions. These changes are primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. Climate change is not an unknown factor to generate serious consequences

Air Pollution

Air pollution involves the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere from sources such as vehicles, industrial processes, and agricultural activities. Key pollutants in the world have been identified to be particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Biodiversity Loss

Biodiversity loss is defined to be the decline in the variety and abundance of species in a given ecosystem. Biodiversity loss is driven by factors such as habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.

The impact on health by the Triple Planetary Crisis

The interconnection and impact between climate change, air pollution, biodiversity loss, and human health are complex and far-reaching. Climate change affects the availability of clean air, safe drinking water, and a nutritious food supply. It also undermines security. These elements are essential for good health, and their degradation can reverse decades of progress in global health, poverty alleviation, and social development.

At the Prince Mahidol Award Conference last year Sri Lanka presented its experience in tackling the triple planetary crisis as an island nation. The conference, held on January 24, 2023, was moderated by Dr. Palitha Abeykoon, a member of the WHO Global Pandemic Preparedness Monitoring Board. The event brought together experts from various fields to discuss the challenges and strategies for addressing these critical issues.

Key presentations and insights

Professor Ajith De Alwis from the University of Moratuwa shared key findings from the ‘Xpress Pearl’ disaster, highlighting its impact on coastal and marine environments. The disaster, which involved the discharge of 11,000 MT of polymers, 8,000 MT of chemicals, 3,400 MT of metals, and several other contaminants, had a devastating effect on beaches and turtle nesting sites due to the deposition of plastic nurdles. The long-term ecological impacts are expected to be significant due to bioaccumulation at higher trophic levels.

At the same conference, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Anil Jasinghe, outlined Sri Lanka's efforts to achieve emission reduction targets under the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change Sri Lanka aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 while securing 70% of its energy requirements through renewable sources by 2030.

Initiatives by the health sector

The Environmental and Occupational Health Unit of the Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Tilak Siriwardena and Dr. Inoka Suraweera, discussed the health sector's initiatives to address environmental health challenges. They stressed upon the need for integrating considerations of health into national environmental policies. This will ensure the adoption of comprehensive solutions to the triple planetary crisis, according to the Ministyr.

Moreover, the late President of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, vetaran Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne together with the Sri Lanka Medical Association, provided insights into how community engagement in environment-friendly initiatives and green efforts could lead to their success. Local populations are often the most affected and therefore the most invested segment in society in these issues, according to Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne.

Regional and global perspectives

At the conference Senior Advisor to the National Research Council of Thailand Dr. Monthip Sriratana shared Thailand's experience in addressing the health challenges posed by the triple planetary crisis. Her insights highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing in tackling these global issues.

Additionally, WHO Regional Advisor on Environmental Health, Air Pollution, Occupational Health, and Chemical Safety in the South-East Asia Region, Dr. Hassan Mohd Nasir, provided a broader regional perspective about the triple crisis. He individually emphasized the need for countries in the region to collaborate and adopt best practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss on human health.

Environmental health challenges in Sri Lanka

Despite Sri Lanka having a per capita greenhouse gas emission just slightly over 1 tonne, which is below the world average of 4.82 tonne, Sri Lanka is among the top ten countries most adversely affected by climate change, according to the annual climate risk index.

As an agricultural country, we are highly dependent on rainfall for livelihoods, agriculture, and hydropower. Changes in rainfall patterns have led to droughts, floods, and a reduction in groundwater availability, severely impacting the local population.

Moreover, Sri Lanka is also a biological hotspot with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. But the increasing population and industrialization are putting immense pressure on biodiversity, watersheds, and natural forests. The health and environment scorecard for Sri Lanka predicts 250 ‘warm spell’ days and 10 heat-related deaths per 100,000 people aged 65 and above by 2050 under a high emissions scenario.

Additionally, 69% of the population lacks clean fuels and technology for cooking, 37% of deaths from diarrhea are caused by unsafe drinking water, sanitation, and inadequate personal hygiene, and 30% of rural healthcare facilities lack basic healthcare waste management.

What can Sri Lanka do?

Similar to plastic waste management, Sri Lanka needs a multiphase approach that considers both the impact of climate change on healthcare and the impact of healthcare decisions on climate change. A few strategies that the country can consider are

Integrate health into environmental initiatives

Health considerations should be central consideration to climate crisis and environmental initiatives. This will ensure that policies address the interconnectedness of health and environmental sustainability.

Building climate-resilient health systems

Developing health systems that can withstand the impacts of climate change is crucial. This includes ensuring that healthcare facilities are prepared for extreme weather events and can continue to provide essential services.

Promote low carbon health systems

Reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities and practices through sustainable energy use, waste reduction, and efficient resource management.

Enhance inter-sectoral collaboration

The strong collaboration between different sectors and stakeholders is essential for addressing the triple planetary crisis effectively. These sectors include government agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, and local communities.

Improve data and monitoring

Accurate data and monitoring systems are necessary to track progress and make informed decisions. This involves improving the traceability and transparency of environmental and health data.

Strengthening community engagement

As outlined by Dr. Ariyaratne, engaging communities in environmental initiatives ensures that local knowledge and needs are incorporated into policies and practices. Community involvement also fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility towards environmental conservation.