2023-11-14 05:52:06
In a contribution to the newspaper “Le Monde”, the Director General of the WHO, the President of COP28, and the WHO Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health urge the adoption of firm and decisive measures during Health Day, scheduled for December 3.
The urgency of a global response
Climate change is not only an environmental crisis, but also a large-scale health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, one in four deaths might be linked to preventable environmental factors. These climate changes, the effects of which are already evident, require an immediate and global response. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a vital step, particularly to limit warming to 1.5°C. The decarbonization of energy systems and the significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years are priorities.
Direct health repercussions
The direct effects of climate change on health are alarming. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, are on the rise and threaten public health. For example, floods in Pakistan in 2022 affected tens of millions of people. These events also exacerbate infectious diseases like dengue and cholera. It is estimated that by 2050, climate change might displace around 216 million people. Furthermore, air pollution, linked in part to greenhouse gas emissions, is responsible for millions of deaths each year.
The economic dimension of the climate crisis
The economic aspect of this crisis cannot be neglected. Investments in climate resilience offer a significant financial return and contribute to the quality of health infrastructure. At the same time, the effects of climate change fall disproportionately on low- and middle-income countries, exacerbating global inequality. The World Bank emphasizes that the direct impact of climate change on health will be a major factor in poverty.
The COP28 initiative: a day dedicated to health
December 3, marking the first Health Day within the framework of COP28, promises to be a key moment. This day will be an opportunity to bring together ministers and key stakeholders to discuss the links between climate and health and to present strong declarations and commitments. The question of financing will be central, in particular the increase in funds intended for health as part of climate action.
This Health Day initiative highlights the need for coordinated and ambitious action to address the health challenges posed by climate change. It is a call for global mobilization, recalling the unified response to the Covid-19 crisis, to find lasting and equitable solutions to this unprecedented crisis.
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