Worldwide Alarm: 123 Nations Acknowledge Climate Change As A Grave Health Crisis At COP28
Do you know climate change crisis has now turned into a health emergency?
What happened??
123 countries have officially endorsed a Declaration on Climate and Health during COP28, marking a historic acknowledgment of the adverse effects of climate change on global health. Notably, India is not among the signatories, despite its commitment to integrating the climate and health agenda during its G20 Presidency.
Where and when??
The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference convened from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It comprised of the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) held at Expo City, Dubai on Saturday.
Why is it crucial?
The declaration, announced ahead of the inaugural Health Day at the UN Summit, includes $1 billion in financing for climate and health. This marks a significant step, as healthcare professionals worldwide have long advocated for health to be a central focus at UN Climate summits, especially in light of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The declaration is particularly crucial as annual deaths from air pollution reach nearly 9 million, heat-related illnesses and deaths rise, and climate disasters pose substantial risks to billions of lives. Additionally, Health Ministers from over 100 countries will attend a health and climate ministerial at the conference, emphasizing the global importance of this initiative.
How is it linked to India?
The UAE Presidency highlighted the support of certain 'country champions,' including India, in the development of the Climate and Health Declaration. However, India has not formally endorsed the pact. The absence of an official endorsement from India is notable given its vulnerability to climate change, with significant health implications for its billion-plus population. Experts emphasise the importance of placing health at the forefront of international climate negotiations.
¡°As one of the leading global emitters worldwide, and the home of 1 billion of the world¡¯s population, the absence of India from the list of over 120 countries endorsing the COP28 health declaration is striking,¡± said Jess Beagley, Policy Lead, Global Climate and Health Alliance.
Under its G20 Presidency, India successfully persuaded world leaders to commit to enhancing the resilience of health systems and developing climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems. This effort aligns with the broader recognition of the interconnectedness of climate change and health at the international level.
¡°India is setting a compelling precedent in climate action, as evidenced by its proactive approach during the G20 presidency, where the Delhi Declaration emphasized the intersection of climate and health agendas,¡± said Dr Arvind Kumar, Founder Trustee, Lung Care Foundation/Doctors for Clean Air.
Highlights of COP28
The agreement among 123 governments to work on protecting communities and preparing the healthcare sector for climate-related impacts demonstrates a global commitment to address the intersection of climate change and health. The acknowledgment of challenges such as extreme heat, air pollution, and infectious diseases reflects an understanding of the diverse health risks associated with climate change. Additionally, the commitment to incorporate health targets in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and enhance international collaboration signifies a holistic approach to addressing climate-related health issues.? ? ?
¡°The climate crisis is a health crisis, but for too long, health has been a footnote in climate discussions,¡± said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization emphasising the need to build climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems.
The inclusion of Health Day at the Climate Summit on December 3, along with the first-ever climate and health ministerial at a COP, signifies a significant step in recognising the interconnectedness of climate and health. The participation of health ministers and senior health delegations from over 100 countries underscores the global commitment to addressing the health impacts of climate change. This initiative reflects a broader understanding of the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate the health risks associated with climate-related challenges.
¡°For COP28 to go down in history as the first ¡®Health COP¡¯, it will be necessary for governments to sustain this focus on health throughout the negotiations, and to take real action to protect people¡¯s health ¨C including the phase-out of fossil fuels, additional finance to address the impacts of climate change, and making health a fundamental measure of our progress and success on climate action,¡± said Dr Jeni Miller, Executive Director of the Global Climate and Health Alliance.
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