In the run-up to COP28, the World Health Organization (WHO) is uniting with the global health community, raising their voices to ensure that the impact of climate change on health takes centre stage in the negotiations. It is imperative to broaden the focus to human health in global discussions, leaving no room for excuses, and compelling negotiators to recognise that they bear the responsibility for the wellbeing of our most invaluable asset: the health of populations worldwide.
"Prioritising health is not just a choice; it is the foundation of resilient societies,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Leaders must deliver in Dubai, providing the strong health outcomes their peoples expect and their economies urgently need. We must change the conversation and demonstrate the massive benefits of bolder climate action on our health and wellbeing.”
The extreme weather events around the world in recent months offer a terrifying glimpse of what lies ahead in a rapidly heating world. The IPCC report (Climate Change 2023) says about 3.5 billion people - nearly half of humanity - live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. Heat-related deaths among those aged over 65 have risen by 70% worldwide in two decades, according to WHO’s figures. Only a dramatic and dedicated effort to limit warming to 1.5°C will prevent a future much worse than what we see now.
Increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, will also strain healthcare infrastructure. Last year's floods in Pakistan displaced eight million people and affected 33 million overall. Forecasts from the World Bank indicate that without bold and immediate action, climate change could displace approximately 216 million people by 2050.
As the climate crisis jeopardises lives and livelihoods, global food systems struggle to sustain a growing population, and compromised water sources compound the challenges. In parallel, climate change is catalysing a surge in infectious diseases like dengue and cholera, endangering millions. Now is the time for decisive and collaborative action to mitigate the health impacts of the climate crisis and build a sustainable future for all.
As climate change poses an unprecedented challenge to health systems worldwide, it is also imperative that these are strengthened to be resilient, low carbon and sustainable. Failure to act swiftly will render health systems worldwide vulnerable to the overwhelming impacts of climate change.
Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present danger affecting our health on multiple fronts. The health community asserts that climate change is already affecting our health, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases and vector-borne illnesses. There is an urgent need for negotiators to comprehend that climate change is a direct threat to global health that can no longer be ignored or downplayed.
Adapting our health systems means upgrading key interventions such as vector control, epidemiological surveillance, and access to safe water and sanitation. Additionally, the training of health staff is crucial, and support is needed to align health systems with the guidance included in the WHO’s operational framework for building climate resilient and low carbon health systems.
To reduce the negative impact on health, the health community stresses the importance of reducing and stopping emissions. According to WHO, seven million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution. Urgent mitigation measures, including transitioning to clean energy sources, are necessary to protect human health and create sustainable outcomes.
The health community recognises the role health systems play in contributing to emissions, and advocates for greening the health sector. This involves decarbonising health systems, digitalising medicine and implementing sustainable practices in hospitals and healthcare facilities to significantly reduce the 5% global emissions attributed to the health sector.
The financial gap
Acknowledging the financial gap in health systems, the health community calls for increased financing from new sources. The plea is to divest from, and end subsidies, for fossil fuels, and to mobilise new funds to support health systems in coping with climate change.
With the health sector grappling with unprecedented challenges, it is imperative to address the glaring disparity in financial support. Currently, the sector receives a mere 0.5% of global climate financing. To effectively confront the many challenges ahead -from the ongoing global health crisis to the ever-evolving landscape of medical research and technological advancements - a substantial increase in resources is not only warranted but essential. By multiplying financial support, we can strengthen the sector's ability to innovate, adapt and provide optimal care, ensuring a resilient healthcare infrastructure for the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow.
First-ever Health Day
The health community urges negotiators to recognise that climate action is health action, and failure to address this reality will have profound consequences for the wellbeing of current and future generations. WHO’s call to action unites health community in demanding a commitment to building resilient health systems, reducing emissions, and prioritising health. The first-ever Health Day is set to elevate the global profile of the climate and health nexus and integrate health within the climate change agenda.
A record number of health ministers will be attending COP28, which underscores the commitment to prioritise health in the context of climate discussions. This historic gathering will focus on addressing the crucial intersection of health and climate change.
The legacy of COP 28 will be a commitment to a healthier planet, where the health arguments for climate action are not just heard but lead to tangible results.
