Namibia’s emerging green hydrogen industry is significant not only in relation to economic growth, but in helping mitigate the complex challenges climate change poses for public and environmental health.
Public and occupational health is at the intersection of economic growth, environmental stewardship and social responsibility in Namibia’s journey towards a sustainable energy future.
As the green hydrogen value chain expands, the role of public and occupational health professionals will be indispensable in shaping a safer and more prosperous path for all involved.
The demand for these fields arises with establishing modern facilities for renewable energy production, electrolysis plants, hydrogen storage solutions and transportation infrastructure.
PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
Occupational health is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of workers across all industries.
It is essential in assessing workplace hazards, implementing safety protocols and promoting health standards tailored to the unique aspects of the production and handling of green hydrogen.
On the other hand, public health addresses the broader aspects of green hydrogen’s role in public and environmental health in communities.
Beyond the green hydrogen industry, the public health specialty serves as a catalyst in contributing to the sustainable development goals for climate change and health – in ecosystems, biodiversity and in the livelihoods, health and well-being of current and future generations.
This highlights the need for capacity and skills development in these subspecialties of public and occupational health related to renewable energy: How do we protect and strengthen the resilience of individuals, communities, the workforce, livelihoods and ecosystems in the face of climate change?
EDUCATION
Therefore, it is imperative to incorporate renewable energy and green hydrogen-specific public and occupational health courses in the training and education sectors.
These courses should equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to address the unique health and safety challenges posed by green hydrogen technologies and climate change.
Such courses can also contribute immensely to the development of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable systems.
This represents a sustainable investment in both the education sector and the future of climate change and health, and can help position Namibia as a sustainable leader in the global green hydrogen economy.
- * Panduleni Penipawa Shimanda is an academic and researcher with a PhD in public health, MSc in public health and health economics and a BSc in nursing. He works in the health sciences faculty at the International University of Management. The views expressed here are entirely his own.
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