COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health
The COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health was signed by 123 countries. It is non binding declaration that aims to put health at the center of climate action and accelerate the development of climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable health systems. The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) has three core themes:
- Phasing out fossil fuels
- Building climate-resilient societies
- Investing in climate solutions.
The other areas covered include:
- For the first time, countries agreed on the need to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner to achieve net zero by 2050.
- Triple the capacity of renewable energy like wind and solar power, and to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements, both by 2030.
- Double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements from around 2% to over 4% every year until 2030.
- Accelerate low- and zero-emission technologies like carbon capture and storage.
- Strengthening policies to maximise health benefits from climate actions and prevent worsening impacts by working towards inclusive partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, and vulnerable populations.
- Identifying global solutions for limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees
- Accelerating the green transition.
- Reduce cooling-related emissions across all sectors by at least 68% globally relative to 2022 levels by 2050
- Enhancing adaptive capabilities, and minimizing vulnerability for sustainable development.
Impact of Climate Change on Health
Climate Change has a significant and wide range of impacts on human health, affecting both physical and mental well-being. It can have several negative effects on human health including water and food-related illnesses, respiratory and heart diseases, poor mental health, injuries and even death. Climate change can also lead to increased frequency of extreme weather events like flooding and extreme heat, increased food and water scarcity, and economic loss that often leads to human migration and conflict.
In this article, we will study climate change, its impact on health, the COP28 UAE declaration on climate and health, the Indian Government initiative and some mitigating measures.
Table of Content
- Impact of Climate Change on Health
- COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health
- Indian Government Initiatives
- Key Facts from WHO
- Some Ways to Mitigate the Health Impacts of Climate Change