Health at the Heart of Climate Discussions: Targets of the 28th Annual Conference of the Parties (COP28)

Health at the Heart of Climate Discussions: Targets of the 28th Annual Conference of the Parties (COP28)

Health and Climate: A Vital Link

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the future president of COP28, has announced that health will be at the center of climate discussions at the upcoming conference, which is scheduled to be held in Dubai. The link between health and climate change is clear and undeniable, yet it has not been a specific focus of the COP process thus far. Dr. Al Jaber aims to rectify this by making health a central theme of the COP28 discussions.

Revolutionary Health Day at COP28

The preparation for the innovative Health Day at COP28 is currently underway. Dr. Al Jaber has expressed his firm resolve to address the health challenges posed by climate change and to promote ambitious investments in the health sector. His goal is to build resilient and equitable health systems that can withstand the impacts of climate change.

The Risks Posed by Climate Change to Health

Dr. Al Jaber highlighted the risks that climate change poses to health, including changes in disease patterns, the expansion of vectors, and the resurgence of diseases that were once contained. He cited World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, stating that air pollution alone can cause over seven million deaths per year. Diseases such as malaria, which are spread by vectors, are expanding their geographic range due to rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns. This disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities.

COP28 Health Day: A Call to Action

The COP28 Health Day, scheduled for December 3, will consider the fragility of global public health systems, a vulnerability highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It will also address the urgent need for transformative changes to these systems in order to adapt to climate change. Dr. Al Jaber is determined to bring these issues to light at COP28 and gather partners who can make a positive difference.

Financial Investments for Health and Climate

Dr. Al Jaber also spoke about the financial aspects of climate change adaptation, advocating for an increase in concessional funds for the South to reduce risks and attract private capital. He stressed the need to rebalance finances and double funding for adaptation by 2025, and called on governments to contribute to replenishing the Green Climate Fund. His commitment is to reverse these trends by uniting the world around an inclusive action program focused on a fair transition, more equitable climate financing, and improving lives and livelihoods.