At COP28, the international health community demands prompt action on climate change and health.

 

At COP28, the international health community demands prompt action on climate change and health. Under the direction of the World Health Organization, COP28 works in tandem with the international health community to guarantee that the effects of climate change on health are at the forefront of conversations. It highlights the importance of human health in international discussions and calls on decision-makers to acknowledge their accountability for the welfare of the global populace. According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, "prioritizing health is not just an option; it is the cornerstone of resilient societies."

In Dubai, leaders should provide people hope and take care of their basic necessities while achieving excellent health outcomes. The conversation must change to emphasize the many advantages of strong climate action for people's health and wellbeing.

Extreme weather occurrences have become more frequent worldwide in recent months, providing a frightening look into what lies ahead. Nearly half of the world's population, or about 3.5 billion people, live in regions that are extremely vulnerable to climate change, according to IPCC studies. According to WHO estimates, over the past 20 years, heat-related fatalities among people 65 and older have increased globally by 70%. Keeping the rise in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius is not simply a showpiece; it is a serious endeavor to protect a future that is swiftly eroding as we watch it happen. Severe, ongoing weather disasters including heat waves, floods, and droughts will put strain on the basic framework of healthcare systems. 

According to World Bank estimates, 216 million people could be displaced by climate change by 2050 if decisive and swift action is not taken. The climate issue puts lives and livelihoods in danger, puts pressure on the world's food systems to feed a growing population, and stresses certain water sources. Millions of people are at risk as a result of the simultaneous rise in infectious diseases like dengue and malaria brought on by climate change. It is essential to reduce the negative effects of the climate catastrophe on health and create a sustainable future for all.

We must build resilient, low-carbon, and sustainable healthcare systems because climate change presents an unprecedented threat to healthcare systems around the globe. In addition to improving healthcare, prompt action will increase global health systems' knowledge of the serious effects of climate change.

Climate change is a real concern that is already hurting our health in many ways, not just in the distant future. According to the medical profession, the spread of infectious diseases and vector-borne disorders is facilitated by climate change, which is already having an effect on human health. Stakeholders must acknowledge right now that climate change poses a direct threat to global health and that this issue cannot be minimized or overlooked. 

Enhancing vector control, implementing digital innovations in healthcare, and assisting in the transition of health systems within the context of resilient and low-carbon practices are all part of embracing our healthcare systems. The medical community stresses the significance of tackling pollution and lowering emissions in order to lessen adverse effects on health. The World Health Organization values the effects of pollution at 70 euros, emphasizing the necessity of switching to clean energy sources to preserve human health. In order to reduce global emissions by 5%, health institutions must align with sustainable practices, which is a critical contribution to the reduction of emissions in the healthcare sector.

The fact that more than a billion people lack access to consistent or any energy has an impact on healthcare services. The health community is calling on low-income nations that are experiencing a lack of access to electricity to quickly switch to clean energy. WHO is pushing for medical supply chains to be harmonious, electrifying healthcare facilities with renewable energy, and bringing about revolutionary reforms that will lessen reliance on gas and diesel while emphasizing sustainability, better services, and clean energy sources.

In summary, global cooperation and strong action are desperately needed to solve the interconnected issues of health and climate change. The medical community is pushing leaders, groups, and people to put the health of our world and its people first by actively participating in projects to lessen the effects of climate change.

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