Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the President-designate of Cop28, has emphasized the clear connection between health and climate change. He has pledged that health will be a central focus of climate discussions during the conference later this year. Speaking at the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week, Dr Al Jaber stated that the Cop process has not previously given sufficient attention to the impact of climate change on health. He stressed the need for change and for ambitious investment in the health sector to build resilient and equitable health systems capable of withstanding the impact of climate change. Dr Al Jaber highlighted the risks posed by climate change to health, including shifting disease patterns, expanding vectors, and the resurgence of previously contained diseases. He cited World Health Organisation statistics revealing that air pollution alone leads to more than seven million deaths annually and that vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities due to rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. Cop28 Health Day, scheduled for December 3, will address the fragility of public health systems worldwide, as exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the urgent need for transformative changes to adapt these systems in response to climate change. Dr Al Jaber emphasized the importance of bringing together partners who can make a positive difference in addressing these issues.
“We are determined to reverse these trends by bringing the world together around an inclusive action agenda centred around a just transition, fairer climate finance and improved lives and livelihoods.” said Dr Al Jaber he also called for increased concessional funds to the Global South to lower risks and attract private capital. He emphasised the need to rebalance finance and called on governments to double adaptation finance by 2025, urging them to contribute generously to replenish the Green Climate Fund.
