Dubai is set to host a groundbreaking initiative as the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) gears up to inaugurate a ministerial meeting dedicated to health, attracting participation from ministers representing 65 countries. This landmark event, scheduled for December 3, will witness the unveiling of a declaration spotlighting the intricate relationship between climate and health.
The forthcoming high-level political declaration aims to fortify health systems against the burgeoning challenges posed by climate shifts. Dr. Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, WHO’s Team Lead for Climate Change and Health, stresses the necessity of bolstering health infrastructure while curbing the health sector’s substantial carbon emissions, currently contributing to approximately 5% of the global carbon output. He underscores the dire need to redirect a larger share of the multilateral climate finance, as less than 1% is currently allocated to health-related initiatives.
Dr. Campbell-Lendrum highlights the transformative potential of swiftly transitioning away from fossil fuels. He emphasizes the monumental impact, estimating the potential saving of a million lives annually within the next few decades through such proactive investments. Stressing the economic viability of this transition, he asserts that the required investment is considerably lower than the prevailing subsidies extended to fossil fuels, underlining the cost-effectiveness of this transition.
The increasing toll of air pollution, primarily attributed to fossil fuel combustion, underscores the crucial link between climate change and public health, an issue at the forefront of discussions at COP28. Dr. Maria Neira, WHO’s Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Health, underscores the parallel between climate change-induced chronic conditions like lung cancers, heart diseases, and diabetes and the roots of these illnesses in fossil fuel emissions.
Beyond air pollution, the expanding scope of climate change heightens the prevalence and impact of existing health concerns, including heat exposure and the spread of infectious diseases transmitted through various mediums like food, water, and vectors.
India’s experience demonstrates the escalated spread of diseases like dengue, expanding from eight states in 2001 to a nationwide presence by 2022, reflecting the amplified effects of climate shifts on public health.
WHO statistics reveal a disconcerting 70% rise in heat-related deaths among individuals over 65 globally within two decades, signaling the urgency of addressing climate-related health challenges. The escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves not only strain healthcare infrastructures but also prompt population migrations, foreshadowing a looming healthcare crisis.
COP28
The World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) will be held during the United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP 28. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE has invited Heads of State or Government to participate in the Summit (WCAS), which will be held on Friday, 1 and Saturday, 2 December 2023, when the first part of the high-level segment for Heads of State or Government will also take place.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term alterations in Earth’s climate patterns, predominantly resulting from human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to a warming planet. This warming triggers diverse and disruptive impacts, including rising global temperatures, altered weather patterns, intensified storms, increased frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts, and sea-level rise. These alterations not only affect the environment but also impact human health, livelihoods, agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystems worldwide.
Climate change amplifies risks, exacerbates vulnerabilities, and poses significant challenges for sustainable development. Addressing this global phenomenon requires concerted efforts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adopting renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation to mitigate its far-reaching consequences.
Factors Responsible for Climate Change
Climate change results from many factors contributing to global environmental shifts. Prominent among these are human-induced activities such as burning fossil fuels, releasing substantial amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Deforestation and land-use changes also play a significant role, changing natural carbon sinks and releasing stored CO2. Industrial processes, agriculture, and livestock production add methane and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere. Aerosols, although temporary, impact climate by reflecting sunlight. These human-driven factors increases the natural greenhouse effect, leading to rising global temperatures, altering weather patterns, and triggering profound environmental consequences.
How to Prevent Climate Change?
Implementing measures to curtail climate change necessitates a diverse approach. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Conservation efforts, afforestation, and reforestation initiatives aid in carbon sequestration. Enhanced public transportation and the adoption of eco-friendly technologies minimize emissions. Implementing stringent environmental regulations for industries and promoting sustainable practices across sectors are vital. Collaborative international agreements and policies geared toward emission reduction, alongside public awareness campaigns, foster a collective commitment to combat climate change. Investments in innovative solutions and resilience-building measures ensure a sustainable, climate-resilient future.