Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

135 The Covid-19 pandemic presents an opportunity for a green, sustainable and healthy social and economic recovery. Unfortunately, some economic obstacles to achieve this recovery are market disincentives, mainly associated with low fossil-fuel prices, which hinders sustainable innovation in this area. To address these difficulties, it is essential to abolish subsidies and increase taxes on the use of fossil fuels, thereby inhibiting the use of this type of energy sources. The transition to sustainable fuels requires long- term commitments over a period of no less than 5 to 10 years, involving public investment and pricing and tax reforms for the industry. Priorities for public investment should focus on providing economic support to the public and private sectors for sustainable innovation in infrastructure development, transportation systems and sustainable cities. This type of development brings not only economic but also social and environmental benefits. In this regard, governments should consider establishing a sustainable and healthy national development plan to favor public policies that reduce negative externalities of certain actions on the environment, the economy and the social development of the population. Some key areas to be promoted include decarbonization and transition to a low-carbon energy matrix, strengthening energy efficiency policies and reducing energy poverty, promoting a circular economy, sustainable production and development, disaster risk reduction, strengthening climate governance and sustainability and promoting regional and global collaboration strategies. Humanity is at a crucial moment for climate action and the protection of population health. Scientific evidence has been robust and clear, and now is the time for greenhouse gas emission reduction policies to be urgently implemented internationally, which requires cooperation, understanding and justice among countries. Policies that advocate for a healthy, sustainable and just development will enable the prosperous development of society and the environment and reduce the inequities that currently affect millions of people worldwide. References Bárcena Ibarra, A., Samaniego, J., Galindo, L. M., Ferrer, J., Alatorre, J. E., Stockins, P., … Europea, C. (2018). Economics of climate change in Latin America and the Caribbean: A graphic view . BBC. (2021a). China floods: 12 dead in Zhengzhou train and thousands evacuated in Henan. BBC News . ——— (2021b). Germany floods: Government rejects criticism over flood warnings. BBC News .