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Experts criticize health declaration at climate conference

Experts criticize health declaration at climate conference

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
Experts criticize health declaration at climate conference
Experts criticize health declaration at climate conference

COP28: Health Experts Slam Weak Climate Declaration Over Fossil Fuels

Health advocates are ripping into a World Climate Conference statement for being unambitious. Fossil fuels, the primary culprit behind climate change and its health repercussions, are nowhere to be found in the declaration, despite their indisputable role in the crisis.

Jess Beagley, an expert from the Climate and Global Health Alliance, a global alliance of health organizations, vocalized her frustration in Dubai. "The failure to mention fossil fuels is disheartening," she said. "They're the chief architects of climate change, and consequently, its devastating impact on health."

The United Arab Emirates, hosting the climate conference, adopted a declaration addressing the health risks ensuing from climate change, but the words "fossil fuels" or "fossil fuel phaseout" are conspicuously absent. The possibility of reaching a global coal, oil, and gas phaseout at the oil-rich conference is one of the biggest challenges faced by the gathering.

World Health Organization officials in Dubai, along with over 40 medical experts worldwide, demanded an accelerated shift away from fossil fuels. National governments must translate their climate promises into action.

The experts cautioned against over-reliance on potentially harmful distractions such as carbon capture and geoengineering technologies. While some countries place their trust in these alternatives, they are generally viewed with skepticism due to scientific uncertainty and high costs.

John Kerry, the US climate envoy, underscored the intertwined nature of the climate and health catastrophes in Dubai. "The climate and health crises are two sides of the same coin," he said.

Additional Insights:

  1. Fossil fuel combustion leads to numerous health consequences, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and more [2][5].
  2. The WHO calls for global climate action to foster resilient and sustainable health systems, highlighting the inextricable link between climate change and health [1].
  3. Certain countries boast climate action commitments, yet also pursue biofuel production, raising apprehensions regarding land use and deforestation [3].
  4. In spite of international attempts to curb emissions, fossil fuel consumption remains unchecked, contributing to increasing carbon emissions and exacerbating climate change [3].
  5. A shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is increasingly emphasized to mitigate the health impacts of fossil fuel burn [2][3].

Further Reading:

  • John Kerry on Climate Change and Health at COP28 [GHOST_URL/john-kerry-climate-change-and-health-at-cop28/]
  • Impact of Climate Change on mental health [GHOST_URL/impact-of-climate-change-on-mental-health/]

Notes:

  1. World Health Organization [http://www.who.int/]
  2. Climate and Global Health Alliance [https://www.cgha.org/]
  3. Brazil's complicated attitude to climate change [GHOST_URL/brazils-complicated-attitude-to-climate-change/]
  4. Global emissions continue to rise [GHOST_URL/global-emissions-continue-to-rise/]
  5. Health Effects of Air Pollution [http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-effects-of-air-pollution]

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