Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI)’s Planetary Health Team and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Team submitted their written opinion on the draft of “The Sixth Basic Environment Plan (“the Plan”)” by the General Policy Committee of the Central Environment Council that was hosted by the General Policy Division of the Minister’s Secretariat within the Ministry of the Environment.

As stated in the G7 Climate, Energy and Environment Ministers’ Communiqué on April 16th, 2023, the triple global crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution has led to worsening of economic and social disruptions, health threats and energy crises. Japan must achieve the transformation towards a net zero, circular, and nature positive economy and society to ensure “healthy and cultured living” not only for the present but also for the future generation, and to contribute to the well-being of people all over the world.

In order to advance and contribute to healthy and cultured living for both the present and the future generations of Japan and the well-being of mankind through environmental conservation, the ” Basic Act on the Environment ” was enacted in November 1993. The Plan, which is to be reviewed approximately every six years, has been adopted on the basis of this law and is under consideration for amendment.

The public comment includes the following perspectives

• HGPI welcomes the inclusion of the concept of “planetary health” in the introduction of the Plan, which explores the mechanisms by which the Earth’s environment and human health interact.
• Planetary health should be mainstreamed in each measure and it is necessary to contribute to the well-being of all citizens, especially those who are vulnerable to environmental impacts such as displaced persons, older persons and women.
• The implementation of the initiatives described in this plan should be based also on other plans and strategies, including the “SDGs Implementation Guiding Principles” that contains viewpoints of planetary health, the “Global Health Strategy” of Japan and the “National Action Plan on AMR.”
• For example, an integrated solution to the “Triple Planetary Crisis” (climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution) and other global challenges such as natural disasters and health emergencies should be implemented, which is emphasized in the “SDGs Implementation Guiding Principles”.
• In particular, the healthcare industry, such as hospitals and pharmaceutical industry, needs to discuss and promote concrete actions to tackle with global environmental crisis, while enduring sustainability of healthcare and long-term care services.
• Regarding AMR measures, surveillance should be strengthened for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and residual antimicrobial in the environment, and education and training of professionals should be promoted.

 

Furthermore, to promote the principles of the Plan, cross-ministerial efforts are essential. It is also important to incorporate planetary health approach into higher level policies such as the “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2024.”

For more information on this public comment, please click here (only available in Japanese).