A total of 123 countries signed the agreement today Climate and Health Declaration COP28, an initiative that puts health at the heart of climate action and recognizes that emissions and pollution must be reduced to protect health, but does not mention the need to end fossil fuels, which are their main cause.
declaration containing powers such as United States, European Union or Japan but not the two most populous countries in the world, China and IndiaSupported by the Dubai climate summit (COP28) presidency in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The COP28 presidency recognizes that reducing the health impacts of climate change will require whole-of-society action, including “rapid, large-scale action to decarbonise energy systems to reduce emissions by at least 10%.” 43% in the next 7 years.
According to the same source, pollution increases almost every year.9 million deaths More than 189 million people are exposed to extreme events.
Published a day before the climate summit celebrates its first Health Day, organizers describe it this way: “date“For the first time, the need for governments to protect their citizens and prepare health systems against the health impacts of climate change, such as heat waves, air pollution or infectious diseases, is recognised.
“The effects of climate change are one of the greatest threats to human health in the 21st century. Governments now rightly recognize that health is an important element of climate action, and the Declaration sends a strong signal that we must reduce global emissions and work together strengthening our health systems“, according to COP28 president Sultan Al Yaber.
“The climate crisis is a health crisis, but health has been a footnote in climate discussions for too long. This statement highlights the need to build climate-resilient and climate-resilient health systems. low carbon emissions To protect the health of both the planet and people, according to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
The declaration includes, among other actions: Building climate-resilient systems, Strengthen cross-sector collaboration and increase financing for climate and health solutions to reduce emissions and maximize the health benefits of climate action.
Signatories also commit to include health targets in their agreements. national climate plans and enhance international cooperation to address the health risks of climate change, including through future COPs.
Doctors call for an end to fossil fuels
Although progress has been made, the Declaration does not include the health community’s commitment to governments’ “accelerated, fair and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels” as the only path to recovery. “The quality of air, water and soil is the basis of health.”
It is not possible to guarantee the health and well-being of all people “without a safe and stable climate”, according to a document backed by organizations that among them represent more than 46 million workers in the health sector. World Medical Association, World Federation of Public Health Societies and International Council of Nurses.
According to healthcare professionals, COP28 is truly the “COP of health” It must address the root cause of the climate crisis: the extraction and continued use of coal, oil or natural gas. To those who call for an end to “improve the health of future generations and save lives.”
Source: Informacion
James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.