Baku, Azerbaijan, November 12, 2024 – As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) convenes in Baku, health experts and organizations worldwide are emphasizing the critical need to place health at the forefront of climate negotiations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been particularly vocal, asserting that the climate crisis is fundamentally a health crisis, necessitating immediate and integrated action.
Health Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change poses significant threats to global health, including:
- Increased Mortality: Rising temperatures have led to a surge in heat-related deaths, especially among vulnerable populations. The Lancet Countdown’s recent report indicates that the number of heat-related deaths in individuals over 65 has increased by 167% compared to the 1990s. Reuters
- Food Insecurity: Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have disrupted food production, leading to malnutrition and food scarcity. The same Lancet report notes that up to 48% of the world’s land area faced extreme drought conditions last year, affecting food security for millions. Reuters
- Air Pollution: The burning of fossil fuels contributes to air pollution, exacerbating respiratory diseases and other health conditions. The World Health Organization reports that air pollution is responsible for over 13 million deaths annually. World Health Organization
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the intersection between climate change and health, stating, “The climate crisis is fundamentally a health crisis.” He urged global leaders at COP29 to integrate health considerations into strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change, highlighting that such integration is a moral, legal, and strategic imperative. (Devdiscourse)
Sharif Md. Sadat, Regional Director of the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA), expressed
“As we face the realities of climate change, we must recognize that this is not only an environmental issue but a pressing health crisis. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are already threatening lives and livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable communities across the Asia-Pacific region. As youth, we have a responsibility to advocate for urgent climate action—because safeguarding our planet is synonymous with safeguarding our health. The time to act is now, for our future depends on the choices we make today.”
Health Initiatives at COP29
In collaboration with over 100 organizations and 300 experts, WHO has developed a special report on climate change and health for COP29. This report identifies critical policies across three integrated dimensions: people, planet, and prosperity. It aims to guide policymakers in implementing solutions that prioritize health and equity in the international climate movement and sustainable development agenda. (Financial Express) Ahead of COP29, WHO hosted consultations with health professionals to gather input for the special report. These consultations provided a platform for the health community to discuss their unique role in climate action, share successful initiatives, and contribute to shaping a resilient and sustainable healthy future. (World Health Organization)
As COP29 progresses, the integration of health considerations into climate policies remains paramount. The global health community continues to advocate for urgent action, emphasizing that addressing climate change is not only an environmental imperative but also a critical component of safeguarding public health for current and future generations.