Why is there a ‘Health Day’ at the summit?
In COP-28 UAE coined the Health day summit.
India also highlighted the intricate link between climate change and public health during the health talks held under its G-20 presidency .
Dr. Al Jaber spoke in the backdrop of the New York Climate Week: “The connection between health and climate change is evident, yet it has not been a specific focus of the COP process.
UNFCCC recognises the health impacts of climate change.
Health events have been held at COP for several years, including at the WHO Health Pavilion.
This is the first time there has been an official ‘Health Day’,” says Jess Beagley, policy lead at the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA).
What can we expect from the Health talks?
The COP-28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health includes dialogue on mitigating emissions, health sector adaptation to climate change, mainstreaming of health into climate policies and the sticky question of climate financing for health.
The Declaration, doesn’t mention fossil fuels.
It recognises the need for climate mitigation, “strengthening research on the linkages between environmental and climatic factors
Fossil fuels are seen as the largest contributor to global climate change.
Where does India stand?
In India, particulate air pollution is said to be the “greatest threat to human health”.
Heat-related deaths may kill an additional 10 lakh people annually by 2090, according to data.
India scored 2/15 points in the 2023 GCHA scorecard that assessed India’s inclusion of clean air in its national climate commitments.
India’s NDCs thus far have focused on reducing emissions intensity, transitioning to non-fossil fuel sources and creating additional carbon sinks.
What are the concerns?
Most G-20 countries, responsible for the majority of historic greenhouse gas emissions.
These countries were failed to centre health in their climate action, as per a 2023 analysis by the GCHA.
Low-and middle-income countries like Burundi and Congo were found to be better at engaging with health concerns in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Changing weather patterns and rising temperatures are altering the life cycle of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.
Health crises triggered by warming climate are expected to chart a financial toll of around $2-4 billion annually by 2030.
Another estimate shows that 40% of climate-related poverty would be due to direct health impacts, as people’s income, productivity and health costs would soar.
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