Experts highlight the role of social technologies in promoting health equity and climate adaptation at G-STIC 2024
Global experts emphasize community participation, innovation, and inclusive technologies to tackle health and climate challenges at the 7th G-STIC conference
New Delhi, October 23, 2024: A Deep Dive session titled ‘Social Technologies to Promote Health Equity and Climate Adaptation’ was held on the first day of the 7th Global Sustainable Technology & Innovation Conference (G-STIC), co-hosted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and VITO, Belgium. The session organized by Fiocruz brought together global experts, innovators, and policymakers from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia to explore how social technologies can drive health equity, climate adaptation, and preparedness for health crises. The event highlighted the potential of social innovations in empowering vulnerable communities and aligning actions with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ms Suruchi Bhadwal, Director, Earth Science and Climate Change Division, TERI, in her opening remarks noted, “In addressing climate change, we must prioritize health equity, recognizing that marginalized communities face the brunt of health impacts. The intersections between climate change and health, particularly in areas like vector-borne diseases and mental health, are becoming increasingly evident. As we work on solutions, the role of social technologies is crucial. If implemented effectively, these solutions will not only reduce health inequities but also drive progress toward the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.” She was also the moderator of the session.
Highlighting the need for resilient communities to combat climate change, Dr Luiz Paulo Assad, Professor at the University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, said, “In the context of climate change where extreme phenomenon are becoming increasingly frequent, the need of the hour is to make communities more resilient.” He underscored the need of digital application structure for community mapping that would also help establish a bridge of communication between communities and public authorities. “Collaborative effort, integrating community wisdom with scientific and governmental support, is crucial in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change. Our aim is to build sustainable, informed, and resilient communities for the future,” he further added.
From a data and technology perspective, Mr Nitish Kumar, Data & AI Lead, Precision Health Platform, Swasti, noted the transformative potential of precision health. Elaborating his views, he added, “Climate is creating a havoc on the communities we have been working with. So, the programme precision action is towards climate and health.”
Dr Purvi Patel, Consultant, National Centre for Disease Control, emphasized the importance of using social technology for preparedness and preventive care in addressing health crises arising due to climate change. “Social technologies integrate various systems to promote health equity and climate adaptation. Stakeholders and policymakers coordinate between health departments and climate agencies to ensure equitable resource distribution. Health surveillance systems monitor disease outbreaks and climate-related health conditions, while healthcare facilities maintain climate-resilient infrastructure. Early warning systems combine weather and health alerts, supported by advanced meteorological monitoring and prediction models,” she added.
This session reinforced the idea that social technologies are crucial for advancing both health equity and climate adaptation. Participants underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society to create sustainable business models that drive lasting change. The broader goal of the 7th G-STIC conference is to scale up market-ready technologies in sectors like climate, health, energy, and water. The two-day event brings together stakeholders from various segments of the industry to encourage global partnerships and share solutions aligned with the SDGs. Through these discussions, the conference aims to inspire new approaches to sustainability, ensuring an inclusive and equitable future for all.