We are living in a climate emergency. Climate-related disasters have increased fivefold over the past 50 years, affecting our environment, health and social well-being. Let’s be clear: the climate crisis is a health crisis—and it’s killing us.
This year, wildfires on the American island of Maui have killed 97 people. Last year, floods inundated hundreds of villages in Pakistan, displacing at least 130,000 people and spreading disease. An ongoing drought has swept the Horn of Africa, leaving more than 20 million people facing severe food insecurity. already, 7 million people More people die each year from air pollution than have died globally during the entire COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the world’s temperatures are set to rise by 2.4 to 2.6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, with the most resource-vulnerable populations (those who contribute the least to carbon emissions) bearing the brunt of the devastating impacts. The climate and health crises are trapping people in cycles of poverty and despair. It is estimated that 1.2 billion people will be displaced by climate change by 2050. Action is needed today because we are not ready for tomorrow.
National health systems have been chronically underinvested and unable to cope with today’s challenges.Some 90% of countries Disruptions to health services have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resource-poor countries have suffered the most, and we are seeing regressions in health outcomes, including malaria and maternal mortality.
Mitigating and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical to reducing the impact of climate change and the healthcare industry, Accounts for 4-5% of total greenhouse gas emissions, can play an important role in this work. Up to 95% of the industry’s total emissions can be reduced, from supply chains to patient care pathways. In addition to reducing emissions through decarbonizing healthcare facilities and delivering care remotely or close to home, reshaping patient care pathways can improve health outcomes.
However, relief alone is not enough. To address the harms occurring today, we must urgently address the current and future impacts of climate change on our health by building stronger, more resilient health systems, supported by a fit-for-purpose health workforce that can cope with the burden of disease We face it.
Start by changing the narrative and making it clear that health care is an investment, not a cost.Research shows economic Every dollar invested in health pays off At least it’s $2-4. Climate and health investments are a win-win. For example, investments to reduce air pollution will save lives while also preventing future losses of nearly $50 trillion that have been spent since 2010 to address its consequences. Prioritizing health not only leads to better health outcomes, it also boosts economic growth, creates jobs and promotes social inclusion.
A key obstacle to tackling the climate and health crises is the scale and focus of financing.Adaptation needs in low- and middle-income countries could surge to Will reach $340 billion per year by 2030. However, today’s adjustment funds are less than one-tenth of this amount; Less than 5% of available funds are earmarked for health. There is no funding at all today. Since official development assistance alone cannot meet financing needs, a blended financing approach is needed.
We must ensure that the majority of financing is focused on accelerating local adaptation efforts. Our best chance of combating the devastating impacts of climate change is to invest in local communities that understand their needs and ensure that strong, resilient health systems are built, supported by a well-resourced health workforce capable of meeting the challenges of climate change. Communities must be at the center of decisions and priorities. They can help scale up effective interventions quickly and sustainably. In Bangladesh, for example, local groups established a community-based early warning system to notify residents of impending flooding.
Our only option is to take bold action for the sake of our health and well-being. It should start now. This year is a critical moment. For the first time, COP28 will feature a dedicated health day, highlighting the growing awareness of this serious threat. While we aspire to build consensus on global health responses to climate change and focus on health adaptation, our discussions must urgently translate into action to change the narrative.
We must include health outcomes in the metrics that measure climate progress. We need stronger and more effective financing mechanisms to drive adaptation. We need to inspire all countries to take action and make decisions that extend beyond the next election cycle. Businesses must recognize that their own sustainability and growth are closely linked to the health of our planet and population.
Without enhanced collaboration between the private and public sectors and urgent, decisive and collective commitments at global, national and subnational levels to accelerate local adaptation and effectively reduce the health impacts of climate change, we will achieve healthy, sustainable If we continue to develop, we will not be able to climb this mountain. Adapting to a climate changing future.
We have to make a choice. The stakes have never been higher. The future of humanity hangs in the balance, and it’s time to chart a new course.
Vanessa Kerry, MD, MS, is co-founder and CEO of Seed Global Health (Seed), a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening and transforming health systems through long-term investment and training of health workers. She is a critical care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and serves as associate director for partnerships and global initiatives at the MGH Center for Global Health. She directs Harvard Medical School’s Global Public Policy and Social Change Program.
Paul Hudson is CEO of Sanofi and a member of the Health Systems Working Group of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, which aims to mobilize healthcare CEOs and global organizations to accelerate the path to net-zero healthcare.
More must-read comments by wealth:
The views expressed in Fortune Star review articles represent solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the following views and beliefs: wealth.
Svlook
