COP28 and the Global Health Imperative

COP28 and the Global Health Imperative: A Call to Action on Climate Change

MAHABAHU TEAM (From COP28, DUBAI)

As the world converges at COP28, the urgency of addressing the profound impact of climate change on global health takes center stage.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the COP28 President-Designate, has set the tone for this critical summit by articulating a vision that places health at the core of climate action.

Concurrently, over 40 million health professionals, including organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), have joined forces, demanding bold measures to confront the escalating health risks posed by climate change. This collaboration underscores the interconnectedness of climate change and public health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and immediate action.

Health Day at COP28

The inaugural Health Day at COP28 witnessed an unprecedented alliance of over 40 million health professionals from around the globe, united in their call for decisive action. Led by the WHO and supported by civil society organizations, this historic gathering marked a significant milestone in recognizing the intricate relationship between climate change and public health.

Climate inaction, as highlighted by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, is exacting a toll on lives and impacting health on a daily basis. The surge in climate-related disasters in 2023, including wildfires, heatwaves, and droughts, has led to population displacement, agricultural losses, and heightened air pollution.

These events, coupled with the ongoing climate crisis, have significantly increased the risk of life-threatening diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue.

The Urgent Call for Action

The resounding message from health professionals is clear: immediate and bold action is imperative. Their call echoes the sentiment that climate inaction is costing lives, and the time for delays and excuses has run out. Key demands include the phase-out of fossil fuels, a swift transition to clean energy, building resilience in communities vulnerable to climate impacts, and robust support for those on the frontlines of climate-related health challenges.

The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, endorsed by Health Ministers from around the world and supported by 120 countries, emphasizes the severe health implications of climate change.

It underscores the critical role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement in addressing the connections between climate change and health. This declaration reflects a shared understanding of the urgency of climate action for health and raises hope for a greater global commitment to a healthier and more resilient future for all.

Health Systems as Pillars of Resilience

Strong and resilient health systems are indispensable in protecting populations from the negative impacts of climate change on health. The urgent need to build climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems takes center stage as a priority in local, national, and global climate action and financing.

Health Ministers worldwide have rallied behind the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, recognizing the critical role of health systems in safeguarding lives in the face of climate challenges.

Bridging the Gap for Climate-Resilient Health Systems

The commitment to a healthier planet requires a parallel commitment to financing mechanisms that support climate-resilient health systems. The health sector, currently receiving a mere 0.5% of global climate financing, calls for a substantial increase in resources. This financial boost is not just warranted but essential to effectively tackle ongoing health crises and navigate the uncertainties of the evolving global health landscape.

The urgency of financing climate-resilient health systems is a key focus, with health professionals emphasizing the need for financial commitments that match the scale of the challenge. The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health emphasizes the severe health implications of climate change and the critical need for collaborative efforts to confront the connections between climate change and health.

WHO’s Leadership and Commitment

The World Health Organization, under the leadership of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, welcomes the COP28 Presidency’s efforts to highlight the health emergency and provides a high-level platform for climate and health at the conference. WHO’s Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), a global platform with over 75 committed countries, aims to promote climate-resilient and low-carbon sustainable health systems.

WHO is committed to integrating climate change as a priority in all its programs, pledging support to ministries of health worldwide. The organization plays a crucial role in mainstreaming health in the global environmental agenda, providing leadership, evidence-based advocacy, policy, and technical guidance on health issues to its 194 Member States.

A Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty and a Unified Call for Action

As COP28 unfolds, the collective voice of over 40 million health professionals resonates in the corridors of climate negotiations. The call for immediate and bold action on climate change, emphasizing the profound impact on global health, is now an integral part of the discussions. The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, supported by Health Ministers globally, underscores the critical role of health systems in building resilience.

WHO’s commitment to a global alliance for climate and health, coupled with the urgent call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, signals a unified approach to confront the challenges at the intersection of climate change and public health.

The world’s attention is now on COP28, not only as a pivotal moment for climate negotiations but as a turning point in prioritizing the health of our planet and its inhabitants in the face of a changing climate.

04-12-2023

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