Asia's Urgent Health Crisis: Climate Change's Silent Toll

In the global conversation on climate change, the critical link between environmental shifts and our health often goes overlooked. However, the upcoming 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) is set to change that paradigm. Health ministers and officials from over 50 countries are gearing up for a groundbreaking meeting on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, marking a pivotal moment in addressing the health effects of global warming.

Until now, health concerns have been sidelined in high-level climate discussions, reflected in a meager allocation of less than 0.5% of multilateral climate finance to health-related projects. As medical systems grapple with an increasing number of patients affected by climate change, global health professionals are urging governments to take decisive action.

The World Medical Association, representing 46 million health professionals, recently penned a letter to COP28 President-Designate Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, demanding accelerated, just, and equitable measures to phase out fossil fuels. This plea underscores the urgency of aligning climate policies with health outcomes.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Risks

Under the Paris Agreement, 200 countries committed to limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C. However, with the global average temperature already at 1.2°C above preindustrial levels in 2022, urgent countermeasures are essential to prevent a devastating increase of up to 2.9°C.

The repercussions of this warming trend are painfully evident. From Japan to India, extreme heat waves have become tragic markers of a changing climate. In Japan's Yamagata prefecture, a teenage girl succumbed to heatstroke during an unprecedented summer heatwave. Similar stories echo across the globe, emphasizing the urgent need for health-centered climate action.

Diseases on the Rise

Beyond the visible toll of heatwaves, climate change is fostering the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria. Unprecedented heat in Thailand led to a surge in disease-carrying mosquitoes, causing spikes in dengue and malaria cases. The situation is mirrored in Malaysia, where dengue cases have skyrocketed, placing immense strain on the healthcare system.

As climate change intensifies, the toll on public health extends beyond immediate threats. Unchecked air pollution, fueled by fossil fuel emissions, is estimated to cause four million premature deaths in the Asia-Pacific region annually. Jakarta, the world's most polluted city in August, serves as a stark example of the health hazards posed by air pollution.

Urgency of Action

The warnings from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) are clear: 2024 may be even warmer, with more intense heatwaves and extreme events. The rapid pace of climate change demands immediate adaptation measures while emphasizing the crucial need to decarbonize. As COP28 approaches, health officials are set to delve into the connection between climate change and health, discussing ways to build resilient health systems and mobilize investments.

In this urgent call to action, we must recognize that the solutions are improving, but time is of the essence. From building resilient, decarbonized health systems to ensuring a just transition and rapidly phasing out fossil fuels, the roadmap to a healthier future lies in our collective commitment at COP28.

#ClimateHealth, #GlobalWarmingAction, #COP28, #HealthCrisis, #ClimateResilience