COP 29: Addressing the Climate Crisis and Its Impact on Global Health

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) is currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders, climate experts, and activists have gathered to tackle the pressing issues of climate change. This year’s summit, which runs from November 11 to November 22, 2024, is particularly significant as it highlights the crucial link between climate action and public health.

One of the most urgent discussions at COP 29 revolves around the need for enhanced climate finance. The UN Climate Chief, Simon Stiell, has called on G20 leaders to significantly boost financial support for developing nations. With the expiration of the $100 billion annual pledge, there is a push to establish a new climate finance goal of up to $1 trillion annually. This funding is essential for enabling countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change, transition to sustainable practices, and protect vulnerable populations.

Stiell emphasized the importance of increased grants, loans, and debt relief to support countries that are on the frontline of climate impacts. These nations often lack the resources to implement effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. The success of COP 29 depends heavily on reaching a consensus on this new finance target, which would involve contributions from wealthier nations, development lenders, and the private sector.

Youth delegates from South Asia, supported by UNICEF, have made a powerful impact at COP 29. These young activists from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries have been vocal about the severe effects of climate change on their communities. They have highlighted issues such as hazardous air pollution, heatwaves, and extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly common in their regions.

The delegates have called for child-centered climate policies and targeted funding for climate adaptation in health and education sectors. They stressed the importance of investing in clean energy and sustainable practices to ensure a healthier future for all. This generation’s active involvement at COP 29 underscores the need for urgent action to protect their future and the well-being of their communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been a prominent voice at COP 29, highlighting the critical intersection between climate change and public health. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emphasized that climate action is not only an environmental necessity but also a fundamental health imperative. Rising temperatures, increased air pollution, and extreme weather events exacerbate health issues, leading to higher rates of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, heat-related illnesses, and the spread of infectious diseases.

According to the WHO, air pollution alone is responsible for around 7 million premature deaths annually. Climate change exacerbates this problem, making it more urgent to address both environmental and health impacts simultaneously. The organization has called for integrated approaches that tackle these challenges together, ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for all.

The health impacts of climate change are particularly severe for vulnerable populations, including women and children. In South Asia, for instance, rising childhood obesity rates are becoming a major health concern. A study published in The Lancet highlighted that an estimated 12.5 million children aged between 5 to 19 years in India were considered overweight in 2022, a significant increase from 0.4 million in 1990. Similar trends are visible across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

The causes of childhood obesity in these regions are multifaceted. Factors include maternal obesity, the greater use of formula feeding over breastfeeding, the consumption of sugary beverages and fast food, and inadequate physical activity. These health issues are not just a reflection of poor dietary choices but also a manifestation of deeper societal problems such as growing inequality, urbanization, and environmental degradation.

Building climate-resilient health systems is essential to cope with the growing health burden caused by climate change. Governments need to invest in healthcare infrastructure, promote clean energy in health facilities, and ensure sustainable practices. Training healthcare professionals to identify and manage climate-related health issues is also crucial.

Regular health screenings, especially in schools, can help in early detection and intervention, preventing conditions like obesity and diabetes from worsening. There is also a need to prioritize prenatal, antenatal, and postnatal care services, focusing on the critical first 1,000 days from birth to age two, which are key to establishing lifelong health patterns.

Urbanization and environmental factors play a significant role in shaping health outcomes. In urban areas, traditional meals cooked at home are being replaced by processed, high-calorie foods. Fast food, sugary drinks, and frequent snacking are becoming more prevalent, especially among children. This shift in dietary patterns, combined with increased screen time and reduced physical activity, creates an environment conducive to obesity and other health issues.

Climate change further exacerbates these problems by making outdoor physical activities less feasible. Heatwaves, pollution, and the lack of safe green spaces lead to sedentary lifestyles, particularly in cities. Ensuring access to nutritious food and promoting active lifestyles are crucial steps in addressing the health impacts of climate change.

COP 29 represents a critical opportunity to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health. The decisions made at this summit will shape the trajectory of global climate action and health outcomes for years to come. By committing to robust climate finance, engaging youth voices, and integrating health considerations into climate policies, global leaders can work towards a more sustainable and healthier future.

The rising rates of obesity and diabetes in South Asia, driven by environmental and societal factors, underscore the need for immediate and comprehensive action. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort from governments, communities, and individuals. The time for prevention, education, and equitable access to healthcare is now.