COP28 Shines Spotlight on the Intersection of Climate Change and Global Health

  The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) was held in Dubai from November 3 to December 12, 2023, which marked a significant turning point ...

 The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) was held in Dubai from November 3 to December 12, 2023, which marked a significant turning point for global health, with health issues finally taking center stage in the discussions through the perspective of climate change. This landmark event witnessed the inaugural Health Day at a COP, emphasizing the intricate connections between climate change and human well-being. On December 3, 123 governments united to endorse the Climate and Health Declaration, acknowledging the severe impacts of climate change on health and advocating for robust climate action to mitigate these effects.
A noteworthy development at COP28 was the substantial presence of health ministers in the decision-making process, with 110 health ministries, including 49 health ministers, actively participating. Leveraging this platform, health professionals exerted pressure on governments to expedite the phasing out of fossil fuels, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Simultaneously, they emphasized the importance of reinforcing health systems to create a sustainable and livable future for all.

Understanding the Climate–Health Nexus

The multifaceted impacts of climate change on human health were a central theme at COP28. The rise in natural disasters, exacerbated by increasing temperatures, poses imminent threats, including devastating floods, wildfires, and prolonged heatwaves. Heat-related extremes have doubled since 1986–2005, exposing vulnerable populations, such as adults over 65 and infants, to heightened risks of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Over the past decade, heat-related deaths in individuals over 65 increased by 85%.
Droughts, intensifying due to climate change, jeopardize water security, sanitation, agriculture, and food supply. The global land area affected by extreme drought surged from 18% in 1951–1960 to 47% in 2013-2022. The confluence of droughts and extreme heatwaves creates conditions conducive to wildfires, which are exacerbated by poor land use management. The health risks associated with wildfires include direct exposure to fire hazards, smoke inhalation, exposure to harmful pollutants, and mental health issues stemming from the trauma of the aftermath.
Climate change also facilitates the spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV, Zika, malaria, dengue, influenza, Ebola, MERS, and SARS. Approximately half of all known human pathogenic diseases can be exacerbated by climate change, impacting transmission channels, including vector-borne, airborne, and direct contact. Notably, diseases like dengue, previously limited to tropical regions, are now spreading to new areas due to rising temperatures.

Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems

Recognizing the urgency of climate adaptation, governments must prioritize building resilient health systems alongside mitigation efforts. Vulnerable regions, accounting for 3.3 billion–3.6 billion people, experienced a mortality rate 15 times higher between 2010 and 2020 compared to less susceptible regions. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for robust health systems, especially in developing countries, where populations, particularly vulnerable communities, were disproportionately affected.
Universal health coverage (UHC) emerges as a crucial component for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building climate-resilient health systems. UHC ensures equitable access to quality and affordable health services, addressing the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. Beyond health improvements, UHC contributes to economic development, efficiency, poverty reduction, and social harmony.

The Way Forward: Post-COP28 Measures

As government leaders return to their respective countries following COP28, the focus shifts to formulating effective measures that prioritize the health and well-being of their populations amidst climate change challenges. Policymakers are urged to concentrate on resilience, equity, and sustainable practices within the health sector. Resilient health systems must be capable of anticipating, responding to, recovering from, and adapting to climate impacts.
Ensuring equity involves inclusive coverage for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, including gender-sensitive policies recognizing the unique impacts of climate change on women's health. The health sector's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (currently around 5% globally) also necessitates a shift towards sustainability.
Access to quality and affordable health services remains paramount. Financial commitments from institutions like the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund, the Global Fund, and the Rockefeller Foundation, with a joint fund of $1 billion, underscore the global commitment to supporting these initiatives, particularly in developing countries. Leveraging synergies between climate change and health financing can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in addressing these challenges.
In conclusion, COP28 has set the stage for a renewed global commitment to addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and public health. Recognizing the issue's severity, countries prioritizing building resilient and equitable health systems will be better prepared to navigate the potential health threats arising from climate change. The collaboration between nations, international organizations, and financial institutions is crucial for achieving a sustainable and resilient future for all. 

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