Highlights from COP 28
The health of our planet and the health of our bodies are intrinsically connected. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, the environment plays a crucial role in determining our well-being. However, as we continue to push the limits of our planet’s sustainability, the consequences for human health are becoming increasingly apparent. From the spread of disease to the contamination of our food and water, the effects of environmental hazards on our health are undeniable.
Air pollution is a severe public health concern affecting millions worldwide. The tiny particles and chemicals that makeup air pollution can have a detrimental impact on our respiratory and cardiovascular systems and have been linked to many health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. One of the primary sources of air pollution is burning fossil fuels. In addition, cars, factories, and power plants release pollutants into the air, which can travel long distances and affect communities far from the source of the pollution. In addition to fossil fuels, other sources of air pollution include agriculture, wildfires, and dust storms.
The connection between healthy environmental justice is undeniable. From air pollution to climate change, the impacts of environmental degradation on aspects of human health are far-reaching and can result in a wide range of health problems. We have discussed several specific topics in this blog, including the impact of air pollution on human health, the link between climate change and the spread of disease, the health benefits of spending time in nature, the effects of pesticides and other hazardous chemicals on human health, and the intersection of environmental racism and public health.
We have seen that air pollution is a severe public health concern that affects millions of people worldwide and has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Climate change is also a serious public health concern that has the potential to impact the spread of disease significantly. The link between climate change and the spread of disease is complex, but it is largely related to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mental well-being, boosting the immune system, enhancing physical activity, and improving cognitive function. Pesticides and other chemicals can have various negative benefits on human health, including respiratory problems, neurological effects, cancer, reproductive and developmental effects, and hormonal disruption. Finally, Environmental racism places harmful environmental factors, such as toxic waste sites and polluting industries, disproportionately on communities of color and low-income communities. This intersection is important to pay attention to because it highlights how systemic racial discrimination and economic inequality intersect with environmental issues to create significant health disparities.
To protect our health and the environment, we must take action to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner forms of energy. This can include investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and promoting sustainable transportation options, such as electric cars and public transit. Additionally, we must also prepare for the impacts of climate change that are already happening, such as strengthening public health systems, building resilience in communities, and increasing access to clean water, sanitation, and health care. By recognizing and addressing these issues, we can create a more just and equitable society where all communities can live in healthy and safe environments.
The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) is the United Nations’ 28th annual climate summit, and it is being held at a critical time for the world. The summit took place place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), from Nov 30th to Dec 12th. Hundreds of world leaders and climate experts gathered at this year’s United Nations climate conference to witness the approval of a climate disaster “loss and damage fund” and a disputed agreement on transitioning away from fossil fuels while countries faced crushing assessments of their carbon emissions. States attending the 2023 Conference of the Parties or COP28 were under pressure to adopt a new climate agreement amid controversy over the appointment of Sultan al-Jaber as president because of his position as a United Arab Emirates’s oil tycoon and his alleged questioning of climate science. Countries were also found to be falling behind in the first review of their progress towards reducing emissions to keep global warming in check.
The past year has seen more record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events around the world, from drought to catastrophic storms and floods that have devastated lives, economies, and ecosystems. No part of the world is untouched by the impacts of climate change. We will face even more serious and irreversible damage to society and ecosystems if global warming exceeds 1.5°C. Every fraction of a degree matters now to help people and nature. The main objective of COP28 is to assess global efforts to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels within reach. This was agreed by 195 countries in the Paris Agreement in 2015. To achieve this goal, countries will need to, among other things, phase out fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), while accelerating the transition to clean energy from renewable sources. This is the most effective way to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They will also need to provide financial support to developing countries to help them develop and implement their climate plans. As vulnerable countries bear the brunt of climate impacts, they also need finance to help them adapt to climate impacts.
Despite more than 80 countries supporting a fossil fuel phase-out commitment at COP27, it failed to gain enough support to be included in the final agreement. Over 80% of the world’s energy is generated by burning fossil fuels — coal, oil, and gas — which release billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making them the primary cause of climate change. The science is clear: if we fail to transition away from fossil fuels and embrace renewable energy sources, we will lose the opportunity to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Whether or not COP28 will make a difference depends on a number of factors, including the willingness of world leaders to commit to ambitious actions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the mobilization of financial resources to support climate action in developing countries, and the ability to overcome the opposition of fossil fuel companies and other vested interests. With financing pledged from the world’s major players, numerous climate adaptation initiatives announced, the participation of Multilateral Development Banks and Development Finance Institutions o facilitate and innovate the financing process and the increasing mobilization of the private sector in climate resilience projects, African countries are slowing gaining access to the vast funding needed to fortify the continent against the impact of climate change. While much more still needs to be done, these collaborative initiatives mark progress towards a more climate-resilient and sustainable future for the African continent.
COP summits do have the potential to make a difference. For example, the 1.5°C warming limit, agreed in Paris at COP21, has driven “near-universal climate action,” according to the UN. COP28 is an opportunity to reset climate ambition in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and to restore trust and hope that we can tackle this crisis together. The future of the planet depends on it.
After several rounds of negotiations at COP28, Azerbaijan was announced as the host of COP29, scheduled for November 2024.
