Report on Combating Climate Change

Report on Fighting Climate Change International health experts have called on all world leaders ahead of next month's international climate summit to take steps to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees and prevent an impending health catastrophe. In the World Health Organization's (WHO) Climate Change and Health COP26 Special Report, leaders and COP26 country delegations were called upon to accelerate efforts against climate change ahead of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to be held in Glasgow, Scotland between 31 October and 12 November. The report points out that air pollution caused by fossil fuel use and triggering climate change is responsible for 13 deaths occurring every minute worldwide, stating: "Fossil fuel use is killing us. Climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity. No one in the world is exempt from the health effects of climate change, but the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sections of society feel this disproportionately more." Ten Recommendations Presented in the Report As a result of work conducted with health experts, organizations and stakeholders globally, the report presents 10 recommendations to be taken to protect biodiversity and health while combating the climate crisis, noting the following: "Commit to healthy recovery and take steps to ensure that economies' post-pandemic recovery occurs in a healthy, green and just manner. Our health is not a bargaining chip; place health and social justice at the center of UN climate negotiations. Prioritize the highest health, social and economic gains in combating climate change. Build climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems and infrastructure. Guide the transition to renewable energy-based, just and inclusive energy systems, particularly to prevent deaths from air pollution caused by coal consumption, and end energy poverty. Promote sustainable and healthy urban design and transport systems. Place nature conservation and restoration of damaged ecosystems at the foundation of our health. Promote more affordable and nutritious eating patterns through sustainable and resilient food production that will benefit climate and health. Provide financing for a healthier, more just and greener future in order to save people's lives. Listen to experts in the health sector and prepare an urgent prescription for climate." WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whose views are cited in the report, noted that the pandemic has shed light on the delicate and close relationship between people, animals and the environment, stating: "Unsustainable choices that are killing our planet are also causing people's deaths. The WHO calls on all countries to take decisive steps at COP26 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The steps to be taken in this context should be taken not only because they are necessary, but also because they are in our own interests." The report was also released alongside an open letter in which 45 million doctors worldwide and 300 organizations representing the health sector called on government leaders and COP26 delegations to take realistic steps towards the climate crisis. In the letter, health matters are requested to be included in climate commitments and plans under the Paris Agreement, while high-income countries are called upon to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide the financing they promised to low-income countries. In the letter, experts called on all countries to move away from fossil fuels and ensure that investments during the post-pandemic recovery process are made in conjunction with climate action to also reduce social and health inequalities.