Joaquim Cardoso MSc.
Chief Research and Strategy Officer (CRSO),
Chief Editor and Senior Advisor
December 7, 2023
What is the message?
As COP28 addresses climate change, a significant milestone is marked with the inclusion of the first “health day.”
The article emphasizes the critical intersection of climate change and health, highlighting the increasing threats posed by extreme weather events.
While progress has been made in acknowledging the health impacts of climate change, there is a call for continued efforts to meaningfully address and mitigate these challenges.
One page summary
What are the key points?
- The health day at COP28 signifies a crucial moment in recognizing and prioritizing the impact of climate change on global health.
- The Lancet’s recent report underlines alarming statistics on climate-related deaths and injuries worldwide, with a notable increase in heat-related deaths among individuals over 65.
- Climate change affects health through various channels, including extreme heat, disasters (droughts, floods, bushfires), infectious diseases, mental health issues, and exacerbation of existing social and health inequities.
- Positive developments in 2023 include the World Health Assembly’s focus on health and climate change, G20 health ministers prioritizing climate and health, and COP28’s health day aiming to raise awareness and mobilize financial support for effective action.
- Over 120 countries, including Australia, signed the COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, with a focus on strengthening health systems’ resilience.
- The article underscores the importance of the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels to alleviate climate-related health impacts, and the need for a comprehensive plan to address this urgency.
What are the key examples?
- Representatives from Vanuatu express concerns about their country’s uncertain future due to climate change, emphasizing the hope for continued support to high-risk nations.
- Japan highlights the significance of strengthening universal health coverage as a key response to health impacts from climate change.
Conclusion
While COP28’s health day and recent initiatives demonstrate progress in recognizing the health implications of climate change, the article emphasizes the need for further action.
The global community must prioritize the rapid transition away from fossil fuels to alleviate health risks associated with climate change.
The health sector, responsible for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, plays a crucial role in contributing to ambitious, cross-sectoral actions that prioritize health outcomes.
The article concludes by stressing the ongoing importance of integrating health considerations into future climate discussions beyond COP28.
DEEP DIVE
This summary was written based on the article “COP28 : health is finally on the agenda – but there’s more to do as we face continued climate extremes”, published by The Conversation and written by Kathryn Bowen, Annabelle Workman, Arthur Wyns, Rebecca Patrick, and Sophie Robinson on December 4, 2023.
To read the original article, click here.
