The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the authoritative voice on climate science, has laid bare the stark realities of global warming and its increasingly visible impacts. The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) highlights a sobering truth: climate change doesn’t just threaten our environment; it also exacerbates health crises, increases the incidence of climate-sensitive diseases, and disrupts essential health services. This reality was front and center during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), where global leaders were urged to recognize the intersection of climate action and health outcomes—an intersection that powerful nations like the United States continue to neglect.
While over 100 countries pledged to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the glaring absence of accountability from major emitters like the U.S. is alarming. President Donald Trump, in a display of ignorance and disdain for the scientific consensus, labeled climate change as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.” This rhetoric not only undermines urgent global efforts but also sets a dangerous precedent for climate denialism, as those in power turn away from the incontrovertible evidence of climate catastrophes that threaten the most vulnerable communities worldwide.
The voices of African leaders and health advocates echoed with urgency at UNGA80, demanding that climate action plans include a health-focused approach. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, pointed out that for millions of Africans, climate change is not an abstract debate—it’s a daily reality. This stark truth calls for a radical shift in how global leaders approach climate discussions. They must prioritize equity and justice, recognizing that communities affected most by climate change—often the least responsible for emissions—must lead the solutions.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi of Amref Health Africa articulated the need for a comprehensive policy framework that integrates health considerations into climate strategies. The Lusaka Agenda and the Belem Action Plan outline essential steps for aligning global health financing with local needs. Gitahi’s assertion that countries contributing only 4% of global emissions are disproportionately burdened by climate action obligations is a moral indictment of the current system. We must advocate for climate policies that are not only scientifically informed but also equitable and just.
As communities in Africa grapple daily with the consequences of climate change, they are not waiting for the global elite to catch up. Their lived experiences demand immediate action: strengthening primary health care systems, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, and implementing community-led adaptation strategies. These initiatives are not merely aspirational; they are essential for survival.
At the same time, we must confront the glaring inequities that persist within climate discussions. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, emphasized the need for leaders to acknowledge the crisis we are in and to act accordingly. The ongoing politicization of climate science, as evidenced by President Trump’s dismissive remarks, jeopardizes not just health but the entire framework of multilateral cooperation.
Moreover, the gendered impacts of climate change must not be overlooked. Women and girls often face the brunt of climate-related adversities, yet they remain sidelined from crucial decision-making processes. Desta Lakew from Amref Health Africa calls for a paradigm shift that elevates women’s voices and leadership in climate action. Acknowledging that gender differences in climate impact necessitate gender-responsive strategies is not just an option; it is a moral imperative.
Looking ahead, Brazil’s leadership as the COP30 Presidency Designate offers a glimmer of hope. The Belem Climate and Health Action Plan aims to integrate health initiatives with climate resilience efforts, positioning health as a central theme in climate discussions. This approach is crucial not only for addressing immediate health crises but also for fostering sustainable development.
As we approach COP30, Africa’s call for a paradigm shift in climate policy is clear: integrate health into NDCs, prioritize climate-resilient health financing, and center the voices of those most affected. The time for half-measures is over; the global community must commit to actions rooted in justice and equity. The inaction of the past must not define our future. As Dr. Agnes Kalibata poignantly stated, the ongoing inequities in climate action are not only a moral failing but also a direct threat to global stability. It is time for all nations to acknowledge their responsibilities and collaborate effectively for a healthier, more equitable future.
This article highlights the importance of AND HEALTH INEQUITY.
