Rationale of the 7th EOH Forum

The 7th EOH Forum will focus on "Resilient Futures: Enhancing Health and Safety in Communities and Workplaces Amid Climate Challenges." It will highlight the importance of building climate resilience as climate-related environmental and health risks grow. This two-day gathering scheduled for November 21-22, 2024, will bring together experts, decision-makers, professionals, and academics to share ideas, innovations, and effective strategies for promoting sustainable and resilient communities and workplaces.

Public health and safety are already being impacted by global climate change. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is projected to lead to around 250,000 more fatalities annually from 2030 to 2050 because of malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Vulnerable populations, especially those in developing nations, experience these health hazards. Likewise, the International Labour Organization (ILO) predicts that over 2% of global working hours will be lost each year because of heat stress by 2030, impacting agricultural and construction workers the most. Given this context, the Forum will address the significance of adaptive approaches and climate-resilient health methods to lessen these effects, all while advocating for sustainable work practices that protect employees' well-being in the face of increasing climate challenges.

The event will highlight practical cases from local governments and the private sector, demonstrating innovative methods for adapting to climate change. Attendees will learn about the various approaches taken by cities and businesses to reduce the impact of climate dangers. The goal of the forum is to encourage concrete actions, foster new collaborations, and provide stakeholders with useful resources to safeguard and enhance the resilience of communities and workplaces.

Objective

The EOH Forum aims to provide a venue for discussing innovative environmental and occupational health interventions from the academe, regulatory agencies, local government units, professional associations, and practitioners. Discussions shall contribute to the improvement of the environmental and occupational health conditions at the local, national, regional, and global levels. This event is aligned mainly with Sustainable Development Goal Nos. 3(9), 8(8) and 11(6, b).