In the relentless battle against climate change, the intersectionality between planetary well-being and human health has emerged as a crucial focal point. As we confront the escalating challenges posed by a changing climate, the imperative to prioritize health within national plans becomes not just a recommendation but a moral obligation.
The Global Health Crisis Meets the Climate Crisis
The World Health Organization’s recent proclamation on the imperative of placing health “front and centre of national plans to fight climate change” echoes a resounding truth. The intricate dance between human health and the environment has reached a pivotal moment, demanding a paradigm shift in our approach to climate resilience.
Ahead of the UNCCC- COP28, WHO has published its “2023 review of health in nationally determined contributions and long-term strategies” highlighting the actions needed to ensure that people’s health is fully prioritised and integrated into national plans to fight climate change.
“The health of humans and our planet are inextricably linked, and after years of promises, rapid action is needed urgently to protect both,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation. “Only by focusing climate policy on health outcomes will action be taken to prevent disease, save lives, and create healthier, more equitable societies.”
Air Purification and Respiratory Wellness
The quality of the air we breathe is one of the most obvious links between climate change and public health. Air quality is declining as a result of an increase in extreme weather events, forest fires, and industrial emissions. Consequently, this intensifies respiratory ailments, directly endangering the health and welfare of global communities.
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Although only 16% of NDCs include stand-alone targets, measures, or policies to reduce air pollution, ambitious action on the issue can save lives.
One of the biggest threats to human health from the environment is air pollution. The combined effects of indoor and outdoor air pollution result in approximately seven million premature deaths annually from lung cancer, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and asthma, which disproportionately affect children in low- and middle-income nations.
Increased action to reduce carbon emissions will benefit countries’ health in broader ways as well. Promoting walking and cycling, for instance, and helping people switch to healthy, sustainable diets can both improve their health and lessen their impact on the environment.
Countries should also anticipate health benefits that exceed the costs of making the financial investments required to slow down climate change. By 2030, for instance, the United States’ LT-LEDS projects that the mitigation of climate change through improved air quality could avert up to 300,000 deaths and avoid $150–250 billion in medical and environmental costs. Similar to this, the LT-LEDS of other nations, such as Fiji, Morocco, and Spain, recognise that achieving climate change mitigation targets will result in financial savings from a decrease in air pollution.
Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Shifts
As climate patterns shift, so do the habitats of disease-carrying vectors. The geographic spread of diseases like malaria, dengue, and Lyme disease is expanding, exposing populations to health risks previously unseen in certain regions. National plans must now encompass strategies to combat these shifting disease landscapes, ensuring the resilience of healthcare systems.
Extreme Weather Events and Mental Health
Beyond physical health, the toll of extreme weather events on mental health is a growing concern. The trauma induced by hurricanes, floods, and wildfires leaves lasting scars on communities. Addressing mental health within national climate plans is a compassionate response to the holistic well-being of populations navigating the storms of a changing climate.
Water Scarcity and Food Security
Water scarcity, driven by climate-induced droughts and altered precipitation patterns, directly affects food security. Crop yields diminish, leading to malnutrition and a host of health-related issues. A comprehensive national strategy must integrate plans for sustainable agriculture and water management to safeguard the health and nutrition of communities.
Vulnerable Populations and Equity
Crucially, national plans should adopt an equity lens. Vulnerable populations, including low-income communities and marginalized groups, often bear the brunt of climate-related health impacts. By prioritizing health in climate action, nations can strive for inclusivity, ensuring that the most susceptible are not left behind.
The Call to Action
In essence, the call to incorporate health at the core of national climate plans is a call to protect the very fabric of our societies. It is a commitment to resilience in the face of environmental challenges, acknowledging that a healthy population is better equipped to navigate the complexities of a changing climate.
As we stand at this crossroads, national leaders, policymakers, and communities alike must recognize the symbiotic relationship between planetary health and human well-being. The fusion of climate and health strategies is not merely a strategic choice; it is an ethical imperative, reflecting our shared responsibility to safeguard the vitality of our planet and its people.
WHO continues to support countries to protect health by building climate resilient health systems, reducing carbon emissions from healthcare, and tracking global progress.
In the journey towards a sustainable and resilient future, weaving health into the fabric of national climate plans is not just a necessity – it is a profound act of stewardship for generations to come.
