As the world grapples with the far-reaching impacts of climate change on human health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called for an urgent need for prioritizing health in national plans to combat climate change, emphasizing that the health of humans and the planet are interconnected.
In its new report “2023 review of health in nationally determined contributions and long-term strategies,” the report highlights significant progress in integrating health considerations into nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and long-term low emissions and development strategies (LT-LEDS), key policy instruments aligned with the Paris Agreement. Notably, 91% of available NDCs now incorporate health considerations, compared to 70% in 2019. However, despite strides, gaps persist, particularly in addressing air pollution.
AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH: A CALL FOR AMBITIOUS ACTION
While recognizing achievements, the report flags a critical gap in addressing air pollution. Only 16% of NDCs include standalone targets, measures, or policies to reduce air pollution. WHO underscores the urgency of ambitious action, highlighting that air pollution contributes to seven million premature deaths annually, underscoring the pressing need to prioritize this environmental risk to health.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CLIMATE ACTION: A TWO-FOLD APPROACH
The report emphasizes the dual benefits of climate action, indicating that by scaling up measures to reduce carbon emissions, countries can not only address climate challenges but also achieve broader health benefits. Initiatives promoting walking, cycling, and sustainable diets contribute to both environmental and health improvements, creating a synergistic approach to address climate change and public health.
UNDERFUNDING HEALTH IN CLIMATE PLANS: A PERSISTENT CHALLENGE
While health adaptation, mitigation, and climate-resilient development are crucial, the report highlights chronic underfunding in national plans to tackle climate change. Many countries, particularly the most vulnerable, depend on international financial support. Alarmingly, only 2% of adaptation funding and 0.5% of overall climate funding explicitly target projects aimed at protecting or improving human health.
WHO’s Call for Equitable Climate Financing for Health
Recognizing the financial dependence of countries on international support for climate action, WHO advocates for more funding allocation to policies and initiatives explicitly designed to protect or enhance human health. The call for equitable and effective responses to climate change underscores the need for robust multilateral climate financing mechanisms to address the critical intersection of climate change and human health.
