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NSW Public Health Bulletin archive

Urbanism, climate change and health: systems approaches to governance Volume 20 Issue 1-2

Anthony G. Capon, Emma S. Synnott, Sue Holliday

New South Wales Public Health Bulletin 20(2) 24–28 https://dx.doi.org/10.1071/NB08059 Published online: 25 February 2009

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About the author/s

Anthony G. Capon

Emma S. Synnott

Sue Holliday

Abstract

Effective action on climate change health impacts and vulnerability will require systems approaches and integrated policy and planning responses from a range of government agencies. Similar responses are needed to address other complex problems, such as the obesity epidemic. Local government, with its focus on the governance of place, will have a key role in responding to these convergent agendas. Industry can also be part of the solution – indeed it must be, because it has a lead role in relevant sectors. Understanding the co-benefits for health of climate mitigation actions will strengthen the case for early action. There is a need for improved decision support tools to inform urban governance. These tools should be based on a systems approach and should incorporate a spatial perspective.