April 22, 2021 — In recognition of Earth Day (April 22), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)—an alliance for the global eyecare sector with 150 members globally—has declared a climate emergency and released a call to action for environmentally sustainable practices in the eye health sector. 

The declaration, which was made by the IAPB board at a meeting on Monday, April 19, follows the work of the IAPB Climate Action Working Group (CAWG).

“Globally we are seeing the devastating impacts of climate change on our environment and health. There are more intense extreme weather events, rising temperatures and sea levels, spread of disease, devastation on habitats, and increase in air pollution. Eye health is being affected through increase in trachoma infections, vitamin A deficiencies, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, allergic, and dry eye diseases,” says Peter Holland, IAPB CEO. 

“Climate events will disrupt eye health service delivery by damaging medical facilities and affecting critical supplies. In addition to the effects of climate change on health, we recognize that health care is a massive consumer of resources and emitter of greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for 4.4% of global emissions,” Holland continues. “Climate change disproportionately impacts poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged populations and may exacerbate existing or create new inequities in eye health. The Lancet Global Commission on Global Eye Health has stated that environmentally responsible eye health services are essential to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 13 on Climate Action.”

In addition, co-chairs of the CAWG Mitasha Yu and Imran Khan share: 

“On behalf of the group, we are pleased that the call to action and the guide has been endorsed by IAPB. This endorsement shows the sight sector is committed and united to act on the climate emergency that is impacting access to critical, sight-saving eye health services. 

“The call to action highlights opportunities for the eye health sector to show leadership and accelerate efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change through prioritizing key actions. 

“These 10 key areas of action include leadership, advocacy, sustainable procurement, facilities management, service delivery, education, research, and collaboration. The accompanying guide provides tools and resources to support organizations along this journey towards mitigating their own climate impacts.

“The CAWG will continue its efforts to bring awareness to the eye health sector and support stakeholders to take steps to become more environmentally sustainable.”

To read the call to action: iapb.org/learn/work-groups/climate-action/.