Measuring health gains from sustainable development

Overview

Health indicators can tell us how well we are advancing sustainable development. For instance, if air pollution is reduced, then chronic respiratory and cardiovascular disease will likely decline. Choosing the right indicators of healthy development is important to measuring progress that is meaningful to human wellbeing.

Measuring health can tell us how well development is advancing the three pillars of sustainability – social, environmental and economic. Whether it is transport that reduces air pollution; weather-resistant housing; safe drinking-water from sustainable water resources, or clean energy for all, putting health at the heart of strategies ensures broad public benefit, particularly for the poor and vulnerable.

Indicators of healthy development can help identify success stories, barriers, and the extent to which benefits of greener economies are equitably distributed. Examples of health-relevant indicators for six Rio+20 themes are presented here: Sustainable cities, Food, Jobs, Water, Energy and Disaster management.