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Environmental Health – UN and the role of the FJMC
28
Aug
Aug
by Steven Mandel MD FAAN, FACOEM, CHCQM.
VP of Outreach and Engagement.
NY Metro FJMC.
NGO Representative FJMC International.
Jewish law includes the principals of sh-mirat ha’aretz, guarding the earth and humanities role as stewards of the earth and resources. Bal tashchit ( do not destroy), which applies to unnecessary destruction of waste, which could be applied to issues like pollution, resource depletion and climate change.
The United Nations is concerned not only about world peace, but a broad range of issues over a long period of time. With an Environmental Agenda, the UN has developed Sustainable Development Goals. This includes “ peace and prosperity for all people on the planet” while tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests. In a world with rapid climate change, a flood or forever chemicals and plastic pollution and the extinction of much wildlife around the world, we need the convening power of the United Nations now more than ever.
Individuals and organizations need to educate and advocate for human development and planning. Best practices with involved stakeholders are needed. In the right place and in the right time, one person can make a difference. Organizations need to mobilize their memberships, to attempt to achieve sustainable goals.
The overreaching goal is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degree C , to 1.5 C.
HOW IS THIS ACCOMPLISHED?
- SETTING UP GOALS
- COMMON LANGUAGE TO PUT IT IN EFFECT
- EDUCATION – SPREADING THE WORD
- ENCOUAGE GOVERNMENTS TO BECOME STAKEHOLDERS
- COLLECT WITH ALLIES WITH MULTILEVEL AGREEMENTS
- FOLLOW UP ASSESSMENTS.
Barrier to it’s success have included countries with unstable economic growth, geopolitical unrest, financial markets, and national security.
The challenges we face include, unpredictable weather extremes, biodiversity and ecosystem collapse, earth’s physical systems, and natural resource shortages.
AI have revolutionized the approach to climate action, as we learn to optimize energy use to predict extreme weather. Applications can include: Optimizing energy systems, impact climate related research, develop and assess policies and regulate markets, and learning strategies for mitigating those impacts.
The Montral Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer of 1987 Is an international treaty is designed to protect the zone layer by phasing out the production of substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. It has prevented thousands of cases of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and aided in food security. In the upcoming UN Climate Summit in Belem, Brazil , there is expected 40,000 participants from over 200 countries to attend. Two priorities for forest action includes, halting deforestation and restoring degraded lands. This relates to protection and restoration. Two ideas that will be proposed are: one to reward regions for growing new forests and removing carbon, and another to reward the protection of standing forests. Carbon revenues can help build infrastructures and services in emerging cities, linking environmental protection to economic growth.
The FJMC International can share in the UN Goals to raising awareness, educate and empower our members to be active stakeholders to protect our planet. We need a coordinated approach of “deliverance “ to meet our climate goals.
As part of our Shomrei ha’aret , Affinity Group, there are actions that we can take, along with partnering and monitoring, and reporting our programs. This can include events with speakers, environmental themes with Jewish observances ( Succoth , Tu Bishvat), sustainable practices (recycling , community gardens, eco friendly products ), green initiatives, partner with many organizations ( Jewish Climate Leadership Coalition , DAYANU, ADAMAH ), advocacy campaign , youth engagement, intergenerational leadership.
Jewish values extend to communal responsibility, and social justice for vulnerable populations. We care stewards of the earth, rooted in our texts and Jewish tradition, making it a framework for addressing modern ecological changes.
Steven Mandel MD, FAAN, FACOEM, CHCQM
VP of Outreach and Engagement
NY Metro FJMC
NGO Representative FJMC International
Environmental Lobbying at the United Nations: A guide to Protect Our Planet,
Felix Dodds and Chris Spence, Routledge Publishers 2025