Today's summary is provided by members of our ESG team, Hannah Spratt, ESG analyst and Zoë Steele, ESG CRM.
“Until now, the health response to climate change has been under recognised, fragmented, and underfunded, leaving communities and health systems vulnerable. This will change at COP28,” declared Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi as he opened the first ever dedicated ‘Health Day’ at a COP28.
50 national ministers of health gathered on Sunday alongside notable figures, like Bill Gates and US climate envoy John Kerry, to accelerate actions to reduce humanitarian emergencies. A just transition was high on the agenda, as were calls to phase out fossil fuels, implement early warning systems, and unlock financial commitments. Complementing these talks was Earth Information Day, which focused on how to make climate information accessible and available to all.
The first-ever ‘Health Day’ at COP28
Health Day exposed the urgent need to establish climate-resilient health systems and enhance global collaboration for a cleaner and healthier environment. The COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, endorsed by 123 countries, outlines actions to jump-start knowledge sharing, financing, climate-capacity building, and long-term partnerships. The declaration highlights the need for governments to protect vulnerable and conflict-stricken communities, while also preparing healthcare systems for the impacts of extreme weather events, air pollution, disease outbreaks, famine, and heat.
In addition, numerous actors pledged financing for these political commitments, including a USD $300 million commitment by the Global Fund.
‘The climate crisis is a health crisis’ (UN World Health Organisation Director General)
It is no secret that climate change has been exacerbating certain pre-existing health risks and creating new challenges for public health for some time now. Making explicit the link between climate and health and the associated economic and social costs involved is progressive and should reinforce commitment and accelerate action. While incorporating the topic of health into the COP28 agenda is a mighty step in the right direction, we believe that there is still a way to go.
It is our opinion that political and financial commitments must be translated into action if the necessary speed of change highlighted throughout the day is to be reached.
