This event will explain how extreme heat and polluted air are the most direct consequences of climate change and its drivers for health, propose win-win solutions, and support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Advocate for greater integration of health into the (UNFCCC) agenda. .
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Extreme heat and polluted air are the most immediate and direct consequences of climate change and its health impacts, increasing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are the world’s biggest killers today. I’m letting you do it.
NCDs are responsible for 74% of all deaths, mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes and mental health conditions.
The climate crisis has received significant global attention, but the most debated health impacts to date are those related to infectious diseases. These include waterborne and vector-borne diseases that are expanding their range as the world warms, as well as pathogens emerging from animal habitats that are experiencing climate-related impacts on their habitats. .
While these are important, the climate impacts on health from the increasing burden of NCDs are potentially even greater, as the proportion of the disease burden in developing countries is increasing.
Articles 1 and 3 of the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) commit states parties to the treaty to reduce the negative effects of climate change on human health and well-being. Yet for the past 30 years, health has been largely ignored as a factor in formal UNFCCC negotiations, and only this year’s COP28 will see Parties convene their first-ever “Health Day” at the ministerial level. is.
This panel discussion will explore ways in which the health impacts of climate change can be recognized and addressed in future formal and informal forums. This event will focus specifically on climate-sensitive non-communicable diseases, particularly those associated with heat stress and air pollution.
From a heat stress perspective, for example, July this year was the hottest month on record, and 2023 is very likely to be the hottest year on record (WMO). In larger areas of the globe, it is becoming unsafe to work outdoors during the day or during much of the year. Health impacts range from increased incidence of kidney disease to increased frequency of heat stroke and increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disorders.
Additionally, there are health impacts from extreme weather events, including injuries and mental health impacts from displacement and disruption from severe floods, droughts, storms and wildfires, and climate-induced malnutrition and undernutrition.
Finally, there is the chronic disease impact of air pollution, which kills 7 million people a year, 85% of them from NCDs. Air pollutants usually come from the same sources as the main sources of carbon dioxide.2. Additionally, some major air pollutants such as black carbon, ozone, and methane are also short-lived climate pollutants in their own right.
Side events will discuss how climate change, air pollution and NCDs (all major crises of this century) are linked. We will use as a starting point the powerful statement made by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at this year’s United Nations General Assembly: “The era of global warming is over. The era of global warming is over.” The era of global boiling has arrived. The air is unbreathable and the heat unbearable. And the level of fossil fuel profits and inaction on climate change is unacceptable. ”
This interrelationship is particularly clear when considering the range of SDGs and sub-targets related to health and climate. These include SDG target 3.4, which aims to reduce NCD mortality by a third, and SDG target 3.9, which aims to reduce deaths from air pollution. Linked to these is SDG target 7.1, ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. SDG target 11.6 reduces air pollution in sustainable cities and communities. and SDG 13 on climate action.
Event description
During the event, panelists will first discuss the evidence on the aforementioned climate-health-NCD links.
At this event, Climate and health hazardsthrough Phasing out fossil fuels, cooking with solid fuels and burning outdoors decreases health risks Especially among people living with chronic health conditions and other vulnerable groups.
Finally, the event will discuss how health can be better integrated into UNFCCC negotiations, national climate plans, financial and reporting processes, and how health professionals can play a role in reducing climate change. We will discuss whether it is possible. exposure By promoting greater awareness.
date: November 30, 2023 13:00–14:00 (GMT+4) SDG Pavilion – Blue Zone