SWITZERLAND —The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a compelling call to action for urgent global climate action, stressing the need to establish resilient and sustainable health systems at the World Health Assembly.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the urgency of climate action, stating, “The most pressing reasons for urgent climate action are the impacts not in the future, but right now, on health.”
Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest health challenges of the 21st century. Its consequences include deadlier extreme weather events, an increase in non-communicable diseases, and the facilitation of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases.
Moreover, the impact on health systems and infrastructure poses a threat to achieving Universal Health Coverage, a fundamental objective of the WHO’s mandate.
During the roundtable, Dr. Maria Neira presented three significant challenges that the health community must address.
First, it involves tackling the wide range of health repercussions resulting from the climate crisis, emphasizing the imperative of safeguarding human well-being.
The second challenge revolves around the construction of resilient health systems capable of navigating the complexities of the 21st century to ensure optimal healthcare provision.
Lastly, Dr. Neira highlighted the health benefits derived from transitioning to a low-carbon society, underscoring the crucial interplay between environmental sustainability and human well-being.
Dr. Vanessa Kerry, CEO of Seed Global Health, urged for an optimistic approach, stating, “Before us lies a choice, a pathway to create a cascade of benefits to protect our planet, our livelihoods, our health, wealth, and well-being.”
Embracing a health-centered response to climate change, coupled with smarter investments, can have a catalytic impact across multiple sectors, she emphasized.
John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change, expressed gratitude to the WHO for raising the alarm on the climate crisis and bluntly declared, “There is no polite way to put it, the climate crisis is killing people.”
He emphasized that decisive action is crucial during this decade, a sentiment echoed by President Biden.
In a groundbreaking move, Mr. Adnan Z. Amin, CEO of COP28, announced the inclusion of a ‘Health Day’ as an integral part of this year’s conference agenda.
The ‘Health Day’ will bring together Health and Climate Ministers to deliberate on the intricate relationship between climate change and public health.
This shift in focus highlights the recognition of health as a central pillar in climate discussions at the highest level during the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP), which convenes world governments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The WHO Director-General outlined key actions to mitigate and build resilience to the climate crisis.
These actions include promoting initiatives that reduce carbon emissions while improving health, building climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems, and protecting health from the broad range of climate change impacts.
He stressed the need for renewable energy in healthcare facilities, dedicated funding for climate resilience in the health sector, and increased use of reliable, affordable, and green electricity.
Speakers at the roundtable included Dr. Hussain Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, Ministry of Health and Prevention of the UAE; Mr. Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Health of the Republic of Maldives; and Ambassador Katharina Stasch Permanent Representative, among others.
Their interventions addressed the pressing health concerns posed by climate change.
There is now a wealth of indisputable evidence, diverse expertise, and global experience available to respond to the issue of climate change and health.
National governments, development agencies, philanthropic organizations, academic institutions, and frontline health workers are increasingly engaged in supporting climate and health action.
By uniting forces and mobilizing health arguments and evidence, we have the power to transform the climate narrative from one of paralysis in the face of an overwhelming threat to a positive vision of a healthy and sustainable future for all.
Governments, organizations, and the private and public sectors are increasingly recognizing the need to create a sustainable future with health at its core. The WHO reaffirms its commitment to being an active participant in these efforts.
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