This presentation asks whether halving premature death by 2050 is feasible – and explores ethical issues in defining and attempting to reach such a target. Premature death is defined here as death before age 70 years. In an earlier study we examined the large variation in premature death rates before age 70 and trends over the past 50 years, covering ten world regions and the 30 most-populous nations, and we concluded that nations that choose to do so can achieve this goal. We did not, however, justify the age cut-off, examine the implications for mortality in old age, or discuss the mortality impact of climate change and global warming. This presentation will explore these ethical issues in more detail.
If you wish to receive our newsletters, and invitations to our seminars, subscribe here.Research seminar with Ole F. Norheim, Mary B. Saltonstall Professor of Ethics and Population Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as well as Adjunct Professor of Medical Ethics at University of Bergen.