As world leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, health has finally landed firmly on the climate change agenda with the celebration of the first “health day” on December 3 at the annual UN climate summit. .
It has never been more important to include health in debates about climate change. Extreme weather threatens health in a variety of ways, and this intersection is only getting worse as extreme weather events become more likely with climate change.
Two of us (Kathryn and Arthur) attended the health day. It represents a pivotal moment for climate and health on the global stage, but there is still much work to be done.
The Lancet recently published its latest report on the health effects of climate change, and the news is not good.
The report reaffirms that significant deaths and injuries due to climate change are already occurring around the world. For example, heat-related deaths in people over 65 years of age increased by 85% in 2013-2022 compared to 1991-2000.
The event focused on key topics such as the pathways through which climate affects health, the health benefits of reducing emissions, as well as the needs, barriers and best practices to strengthen climate-resilient health systems. .
The report reaffirms that significant deaths and injuries due to climate change are already occurring around the world. For example, heat-related deaths in people over 65 years of age increased by 85% in 2013-2022 compared to 1991-2000.
The effects of climate change on health are very varied. In addition to damage caused by extreme heat, disasters such as droughts, floods, and wildfires can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, exposure to wildfire smoke, food insecurity, and much more.
Events like these also increase mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Minorities and risk groups suffer the worst health effects, which widen existing social and health inequalities.
This year there have been promising advances in addressing the health impact of climate change. In May, the World Health Assembly focused for the first time on health and climate change, including a panel discussion on the role of the health community in climate action and the need for dedicated financing mechanisms.
In August, G20 health ministers made climate and health a priority and agreed on first high-level principles for health and climate action. These include creating sustainable, low-carbon healthcare systems that deliver high-quality healthcare, and decarbonizing healthcare supply chains.
Now, this inaugural health day at the COP has sought to raise the visibility of the health impacts of climate change, and mobilize funds for effective action so countries can prepare and respond.
The event focused on key topics such as the pathways through which climate affects health, the health benefits of reducing emissions, as well as the needs, barriers and best practices to strengthen climate-resilient health systems. .
A ministerial round table closed the day, in which many of the 50 attending Health Ministers had two minutes to talk about why and how they are acting on health and climate change.
For example, the representative of Vanuatu noted that the country faces an uncertain future due to climate change, and highlighted his hope that this health day would allow continued support for countries at highest risk.
Japan noted the importance of strengthening universal health coverage as a key way to respond to the health effects of climate change.
It is worth noting that at this COP more than 120 countries have signed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health. The declaration focuses on gathering support, driving action and mobilizing funds to improve the resilience of health systems.
Along with this, the United Arab Emirates announced an “aggregate” financing commitment of $1 billion (about €928 million) to strengthen the implementation of health-focused climate activities. This is facilitated by organizations such as the Green Climate Fund, the Asian Development Bank and the Rockefeller Foundation.
However, there are few details available on whether this money will be additional to current commitments, considered a loan or grant, or diverted from other health priorities.
Protect our planet, our people and our future
As WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said yesterday, after closing COP27 without a serious debate on health, the attention paid to this issue at COP28 is overdue.
But while Health Day and other recent developments are encouraging, much remains to be done to meaningfully protect the health of communities around the world.
In particular, the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is vital to mitigate the health effects of climate change. And the aforementioned global declaration does not establish any plan in this regard or address the urgency of phasing out fossil fuels.
The healthcare sector can and should contribute to this effort as it is responsible for 4.4% of global carbon emissions.
The health benefits of climate action far outweigh the costs. Without ambitious cross-sector action that takes health issues into account, human health and well-being will continue to suffer. This is the first health day at the COP, but it should not be the last.
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Kathryn Bowen is Professor of Environment, Climate and Global Health at the University of Melbourne (Australia). Annabelle Workman is a Future Climate Researcher at the University of Melbourne. Arthur Wyns is an Honorary Fellow of the School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne.
