Healthier tomorrow for the planet and the people

Updated 11 January 2024

World Health Day draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people across the globe. It’s held by the World Health Organisation on 7 April every year, and this year the theme is ‘Our planet, our health’, exploring the ways the health of our environment impacts our personal health and wellbeing.

The climate and environment shapes our lives and directly impacts our health. Without a thriving and healthy world, the health of societies across the globe suffers. Man-made climate change is impacting the health of the planet, leaving the people and animals at greater risk of illness caused by polluted air, soil and waterways. Globally, rates of diseases linked to climate change, like cancer, asthma and heart disease are increasing.

The WHO says urgent actions are needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing.  

MAS is making its own efforts to limit its impact on the planet. MAS invests your money for healthier returns and a healthier planet. We invest in companies with green revenues, restrict your exposure to harmful sectors, and endeavour to use shareholder voting rights to influence companies to conduct their business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.  

Here are five stories on the Hub to learn more about the connection between planetary health and human wellbeing.

Climate change carries a health warning

A group of volunteer New Zealand doctors are working hard to raise awareness among Kiwis of how climate change could affect their health.

OraTaiao: New Zealand Climate & Health Council was founded in 2009 by a core group of doctors who had become increasingly concerned that climate change was a medical emergency that was not being addressed adequately here in Aotearoa New Zealand or internationally.

Learn more about OraTaiao’s objectives.

Good for the health of the people and the planet

Intensive care specialist David Galler says the health sector has an important role to play in meeting the threat posed by climate change. In an opinion piece originally published in OnMAS, David argues we should take the lessons learned through the pandemic to better understand the precarious and uncertain nature of our lives, and to become more resilient for the coming climate crisis.

Read more from David Galler here.

Telling the stories of the sea

Canadian science journalist Alanna Mitchell specialises in writing about the way climate change is impacting our oceans and is committed to inspiring action to prevent a catastrophe. In 2019, the award-winning writer and speaker visited Aotearoa New Zealand for a series of MAS Talks, sharing her experience of reporting on the challenges facing our oceans as a result of climate change.

Watch highlights from Alanna's MAS Talk here.

The retired eco-warrior speaking the truth on the climate crisis

MAS Member Robin Treadwell has always been interested in sustainability and living an eco-friendly lifestyle, but she’s proving anyone at any age can take action against climate change. Robin has taken it upon herself to do everything she can to increase awareness about the climate crisis and to live with a smaller carbon footprint.

Read more from Robin here.

Reporting on our impact

Financial service organisations in Aotearoa will soon be required to report on how they’re managing climate risks, as well as measuring their carbon footprints - both internally and of their investments.

MAS is working on making Members aware of the risks that climate change poses, such as what happens if a rise in sea levels leads to a growing number of Member claims for damaged homes. We want to ensure Members feel confident that we have plans and processes in place to mitigate the risks and what we will do if the impact of climate change grows.

See five ways MAS is becoming more sustainable.