The health sector received special attention during COP29, exemplified by the signing of a Letter of Intent and the launch of the “COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health” in Baku.
Health advocates have long called for integrating health issues into climate action, highlighting the clear connection between health and climate. Climate change exacerbates numerous health problems, and extreme weather phenomena can disrupt access to healthcare services for those affected by its impacts.
From COP28 to COP29
At COP28, held in Dubai, UAE, in 2023, a dedicated Health Day was introduced to the agenda for the first time. That landmark event allowed health professionals to spotlight their plans and ideas, culminating in the “UAE COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health,” which garnered significant support, with over 150 entities signing it.
Building on this momentum, COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked the second time health featured prominently on the COP agenda. On November 18, 2024, the Baku Initiative for Human Development in Climate Adaptation was launched. This initiative aims to promote comprehensive human development, encompassing education, jobs, skills, and health, to enable societies to adapt to climate challenges effectively.
Focus on Health at COP29
Health was a focal point during the proceedings of COP29, especially on November 18. The “ COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health” was officially launched, accompanied by the signing of a Letter of Intent.
The coalition comprises the presidencies of five COPs from 2021 to 2025—United Kingdom (COP26), Egypt (COP27), UAE (COP28), Azerbaijan (COP29), and Brazil (COP30)—in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stated:
“This alliance represents a collective commitment to prioritizing climate and health now and in the future.”
The coalition aims to unite these presidencies in creating a framework to advance climate action in the health sector and strengthen previous climate-health commitments.
Strategic Goals of the Alliance
The alliance discussed several strategic objectives to guide its progress:
1.Climate and Health Financing:
Securing funding is critical to support climate solutions, foster partnerships, and enhance the resilience of healthcare systems worldwide.
2.Innovative Financing Mechanisms:
Innovative financing mechanisms are urgently needed to mobilize additional resources for climate resilience in the health sector, leveraging both public and private sectors through multilateral partnerships.
3.International Collaboration:
Global progress requires international cooperation. Strengthening collaboration between countries can facilitate the transfer of expertise and the sharing of effective, innovative solutions.
A Path Forward
This progress integrates health more deeply into climate action policies, benefiting communities and enhancing their capacity to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
