In the heart Africa, where the rhythm of nature and culture intertwine, a silent but urgent crisis is reshaping the very essence of our existence. Picture the sweeping savannas that once echoed with the harmonious symphony of wildlife now bear witness to a different melody, one fraught with the discordant notes of climate-induced change. Rising temperatures, like a relentless drumbeat, reverberate across the continent, leaving no corner untouched. The urgency of this climatic metamorphosis is not just a distant concept but a palpable reality etched in the African soil. From the lush rainforests of the Congo to the arid expanses of the Sahara, the effects of climate change are an uninvited guest, disrupting the delicate balance that has sustained life for centuries. The rhythm of seasons is shifting, impacting the health of both the land and its people. With each passing day, the intricate dance of nature falters, and the consequences are felt acutely in the health of communities.
In the 21st Century, climate change is the biggest single threat to Public Health, and its effects are being visible to us today. Climate change is affecting our health and well-being in multiple ways including the sea level rise, increasing number and severity of extreme weather events, altered rainfall patterns, the spread of climate-sensitive diseases, and the effects of air pollution. The World Health Organisation estimates 250,000 additional deaths per year due to climate change between 2020 and 2050. The health risks include malaria, malnutrition, heat stress, and diarrhea. The planet is expected to record an average increase in temperature between 3 ºC and 5 ºC by 2100 if the current trend of climate change is maintained. In addition, 350 million more people will be exposed to heat stress during the next 30 years if the average temperature of the planet increases by 1.5 ºC. It is estimated that the direct damage that will be caused by climate change to health will be between $2 billion to $4 billion per year by 2030. In reality, the cost to our health will be even higher, as the indirect impacts on health (for example a decrease in the quality of life) are not taken into account in this number.
On the inaugural Health Day at the 28th Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP 28), a historic moment unfolded as the world collectively acknowledged the profound threat that climate change poses to our health. The recognition was not just a formality, but a solemn acknowledgment that the health of our people is inseparable from the health of our planet. The pinnacle of the day was marked by the endorsement of the COP 28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, signed by 124 countries. A total of 141 national governments joined the COP 28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health (including the EU), which commits to the advancement of climate-resilient development, the strengthening of health systems, and the building of resilient and thriving communities, for the benefit of present and future generations. The declaration articulated explicit goals, including preparing healthcare systems to cope with climate change and acknowledging governments’ responsibility to safeguard people’s health. The active involvement of 124 countries in signing the UAE Climate and Health Declaration is a positive step toward placing health at the forefront of climate action. Commitments to include health in National Adaptation Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions reflect a growing awareness of the pivotal role health plays in the climate agenda.
To strengthen collective action to build climate resilience at the scale and speed required in highly vulnerable countries and communities, under the leadership of the COP 28 Presidency, 78 national governments (including the EU) and 40 organizations endorsed the COP 28 UAE Declaration on Climate Relief, Recovery and Peace. Signatories commit to enhancing financial support for climate adaptation and resilience, understanding and improving good practice and programming, and strengthening coordination, collaboration, and partnerships. They will reconvene at COP 29 to review progress and initiate potential additional action. The commitment to increase investment in these vulnerable communities acknowledges their heightened susceptibility to extreme weather events.
Furthermore, $1 billion in new financing commitments for climate and health, alongside endorsements of guiding principles for financing solutions, is a promising development. This financing, supported by philanthropies, donors, and multilateral development banks, has the potential to catalyze action in addressing climate-sensitive diseases and health risks. In addition, the unveiling of the COP28 & SME Climate Hub for MENA, backed by McKinsey, also holds promise. Targeting SMEs globally, this initiative aims to support climate action by providing resources and tools for emissions reduction. Given that SMEs constitute over 90 percent of global businesses, the potential for this initiative to scale globally in future COPs is significant.
African nations, grappling with unique challenges and heightened vulnerability to climate-related health risks, can draw invaluable lessons from the outcomes of Health Day at COP 28. The success of this event, culminating in the adoption of the COP 28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health by 124 countries, underscores the global recognition of climate change as a critical health issue. One key takeaway for African nations is the explicit articulation of goals within the declaration, emphasizing the necessity of preparing healthcare systems to confront the impacts of climate change. The acknowledgment of governments’ responsibility to safeguard people’s health further highlights the importance of a proactive approach. However, a critical lesson arises from the challenges faced, particularly the limited commitment to reducing emissions and the threat posed by political inaction, especially from populist leaders. African nations must navigate these challenges, recognizing the potential influence of climate denial and the creation of climate refugees. The global rise of climate denial, coupled with the specter of millions of climate refugees, poses challenges that cannot be overlooked. As crucial elections add complexity to the global landscape, African nations must address and contain the influence of populist leaders on climate policy. African nations should also take note of commitments to include health in National Adaptation Plans and Nationally Determined Contributions, reflecting a growing awareness of health’s pivotal role in the climate agenda.
The promising $1 billion in new financing commitments for climate and health, alongside endorsements of guiding principles for financing solutions, provides an opportunity for African nations to catalyze action in addressing climate-sensitive diseases and health risks. This financing, supported by philanthropies, donors, and multilateral development banks, can be a crucial resource.
Additionally, the endorsement of the UAE Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace with a focus on communities affected by conflict adds a critical dimension to climate action. African nations should recognize the importance of increasing investment in vulnerable communities, acknowledging their heightened susceptibility to extreme weather events. Furthermore, the unveiling of the COP28 & SME Climate Hub for MENA, backed by McKinsey, presents a promising initiative. African nations, given the significant role of SMEs, should explore opportunities to engage with and benefit from this initiative in future COPs. The potential for scaling globally makes it a noteworthy resource for supporting climate action.
In the pursuit of addressing the intricate nexus between climate change and public health, the following recommendations are proposed for consideration in future COP negotiations:
- Strengthening International Cooperation:
In recognition of the global nature of climate change and its impact on health, it is imperative to fortify international cooperation. Member states should commit to collaborative efforts in research, information sharing, and the implementation of climate-resilient health strategies. This includes fostering partnerships between developed and developing nations to ensure a comprehensive approach to mitigating health risks associated with climate change.
- Investing in Sustainable Health Infrastructure:
A critical aspect of addressing the health implications of climate change involves investing in sustainable health infrastructure. This entails integrating nature-based solutions and incorporating climate-resilient features in the design and construction of health facilities. By doing so, nations can enhance their capacity to withstand natural disasters and ensure the continuity of essential healthcare services during climatic extremes.
As the curtains closed on COP 28, l reflect on the revelations brought forth during the Health Day discussions, a pressing call to action emerges, echoing across the African continent.
Advocacy for Tailored Climate and Health Policies: African nations should advocate for the development and implementation of tailored climate and health policies. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by the continent, these policies should be adaptive, addressing the specific vulnerabilities of African populations. Emphasis should be placed on the integration of indigenous knowledge and practices into policy frameworks.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: To bolster resilience against climate-related health challenges, there is a need for extensive capacity building and knowledge exchange. African nations should collaborate to facilitate the training of healthcare professionals in climate-conscious practices. Additionally, a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned should be established to foster a collective approach to addressing health risks associated with climate change.
As the call to action echoes across the African continent, the conclusion drawn is one of collective empowerment and resilience. Advocacy for tailored policies, investment in sustainable health infrastructure, and the embrace of indigenous knowledge become the pillars upon which Africa builds its response to the intricate nexus between climate change and public health. The melody of adaptation, shaped by African voices, harmonizes with the global symphony of climate action, resonating a promise for a healthier, more resilient future for the continent and the planet at large.
Written by:
Naiga Doreen
Programme Officer Youth, Health and Climate at Regenerate Africa