Introduction

As the world grapples with the accelerating impacts of climate change, the urgency of sustainability efforts has never been clearer. From wildfires and floods to social inequities and biodiversity loss, the scale of the crisis demands immediate and innovative responses from all sectors — governments, businesses, and individuals alike. This summary of the sessions from the day explores how corporate governance, individual action, and technological innovation can converge to create a sustainable future. Drawing from the sessions with sustainability leaders, we examine the collective role we must all play in turning this vision into reality.

The Urgency of Climate Action and Systemic Change

Global consensus around the climate crisis has coalesced over the past few decades, but the pace of action lags behind the mounting evidence of environmental degradation. Dr. Peter Schlosser captured the gravity of the situation when he said, “We are pushing the planet beyond safe operating spaces, and the time for incremental change has long passed.” The stakes are clear: if humanity does not rapidly shift towards more sustainable practices, we risk further destabilising the ecosystems we rely on for survival.

Amy Terpeluk echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for immediate action: “Climate change is no longer something we can push to the future. The action we take today will shape the world we live in tomorrow.” Her sense of urgency reflects a broad consensus that the time for debate is over. System change across sectors is needed, from agriculture and urban infrastructure to energy and consumer goods.

The role of systems thinking is critical. Sustainable urban development, such as Babcock Ranch in Florida, demonstrates how cities can integrate natural ecosystems into their design while preparing for extreme weather events. Syd Kitson noted, “We designed Babcock Ranch to be resilient from day one, ensuring that it could withstand hurricanes and floods while remaining energy self-sufficient.” This proactive approach to sustainability highlights the need for long-term planning and investment in infrastructure that can adapt to the inevitable changes ahead.

The Role of Governance and Corporate Leadership

While individual actions are crucial but not enough to shift the global trajectory, the corporate world must lead by example, integrating sustainability into its core strategies. This starts with governance. Helle Bank Jørgensen, an expert in sustainable business practices, noted that many corporate boards lack the sustainability expertise required to address climate risks: “Only 2% of boards are equipped to tackle pressing issues like climate change and biodiversity, which means we are navigating critical risks with limited understanding.”

This knowledge gap is concerning, particularly as businesses are increasingly held accountable for their environmental and social impacts. Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a material risk that boards must manage. Kevin Vranes highlighted the importance of data in this process: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure. ESG data allows businesses to track their environmental impact, from carbon emissions to water usage, and make informed decisions.” Data transparency builds trust with investors and ensures that companies can track their progress towards sustainability goals.

Jørgensen further emphasised the need for long-term thinking in governance: “We need to integrate climate action into the broader business strategy, not just as a compliance issue but as part of the company’s long-term viability.” By aligning business goals with environmental sustainability, companies can mitigate risks while capitalising on the opportunities presented by the green economy.

Innovation as a Key to Sustainable Solutions

Innovation is at the heart of many sustainability solutions. Across the sessions, the recurring theme was that technology and innovation will be key drivers in transitioning to a more sustainable world. Whether through renewable energy, circular economy models, or data-driven decision-making, innovation offers the tools to transform industries.

One of the most promising areas of innovation is the hydrogen economy. Assaf Sayada explained that hydrogen could revolutionise the energy sector, reducing reliance on fossil fuels: “Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise sectors that are hard to electrify, like heavy industry and long-haul transportation. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle.” Although still in its early stages, hydrogen infrastructure development signals a future where renewable energy sources dominate.

The fashion industry is also transforming, with circular economy models gaining traction. Florence Bulte, a sustainability leader in the luxury goods sector, noted: “Circularity is becoming a necessity, not just an option. Consumers, particularly younger generations, demand products that have a life beyond the first sale.”. By promoting resale, rental, and recycling, brands can extend the life cycle of their products, reducing waste and resource extraction.

These innovations are not limited to technological solutions but extend to new business models. As Vranes pointed out, “Data-driven sustainability platforms allow companies to make more informed decisions across their supply chains.” These innovations, from tracking carbon emissions to improving supply chain transparency, enable businesses to meet their sustainability commitments and improve operational efficiency.

Individual Action and Collective Responsibility

While corporate governance and innovation are vital, they must be complemented by individual action. Amber Nuttall’s “8 Billion Imperfect Environmentalists” concept reminds us that everyone has a role in addressing climate change. “We don’t need everyone to be perfect environmentalists,” she said. “We need everyone to take imperfect actions — small steps that collectively lead to big change.”

Nuttall’s message is one of empowerment. Whether it’s reducing plastic consumption, eating less meat, or raising awareness on social media, these individual actions add up. “The power of actionism is that it turns bystanders into participants,” she explained. “We don’t have to wait for governments or corporations to act; we can start where we are, with what we have.”

This shift from perfectionism to pragmatism is critical. Nuttall highlighted the dangers of doom-and-gloom messaging, which can often paralyse people with fear rather than inspire action. “The same thinking that created these problems won’t be the thinking that gets us out of them,” she said. “We need to reframe the narrative — focus on hope and opportunity, not despair.”

Climate Justice and Equity

Sustainability efforts must also address the deep social inequalities that climate change exacerbates. Leah Austin’s discussion on the impact of climate change on Black childhood emphasised the disproportionate burden placed on marginalised communities: “Climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally. It’s the most vulnerable — children, people of colour, and low-income communities — who bear the brunt of the crisis.”

Austin’s call for climate justice is echoed in the agricultural sector, where smallholder farmers face climate change’s consequences. Alison Ward noted that many farmers, especially in developing countries, lack the resources to adapt: “Farmers are on the frontlines of climate change, yet they often don’t have the tools or support they need to become resilient.” Ward highlighted the importance of investing in regenerative agriculture, which not only restores soil health but also improves the livelihoods of rural communities.

Empowering these communities is essential for building a more equitable and sustainable world. By ensuring that climate solutions are accessible to all — whether through education, financial support, or infrastructure — sustainability can become a tool for social upliftment, not just environmental preservation.

Collaboration and Collective Action Across Sectors

Sustainability is not the responsibility of any one sector. It requires collaboration across industries, governments, NGOs, and local communities. The discussions around cross-sector collaboration highlight how partnerships can drive progress. For instance, brands work together in the fashion industry to improve ESG data collection and transparency. In urban development, cities like Washington, DC, implement collaborative models to build more climate-resilient infrastructure.

Kevin Vranes noted that partnerships are key to scaling sustainability solutions: “No company or sector can tackle these challenges alone. Collaboration allows shared resources, expertise, and innovation”. This spirit of collective responsibility is vital, particularly when addressing global issues like plastic pollution and biodiversity loss, which require coordinated efforts across borders.

Consumer engagement is another critical aspect of collective action. Anita Spiller pointed out, “Consumers have power — they just need the right choices in front of them.” By offering sustainable alternatives and encouraging conscious consumption, businesses can empower consumers to make more environmentally friendly decisions.

Hope, Opportunity, and the Path Forward

Despite the enormity of the challenges we face, there is hope. Amber Nuttall’s “hope in action” concept resonates with the broader theme that sustainability presents opportunities for innovation, growth, and positive change. “We can’t just focus on the problem — we need to focus on the solutions. That’s where hope lies,” she said.

Opportunities abound in areas like renewable energy, circular economies, and sustainable agriculture. By embracing these innovations, businesses can position themselves for long-term success while contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change. As Yishan Wong highlighted, “Investing in nature is not just good for the planet — it’s good for business.” Forest conservation, for instance, offers both environmental and financial returns, making it a win-win for investors.

The path forward requires systemic change, governance reform, innovation, and individual action. Each piece of the puzzle is essential; together, they create a comprehensive approach to sustainability. As Nuttall said, “The future is not something that happens to us — it’s something we create.”

Conclusion

Sustainability is no longer a distant goal but an urgent necessity. From the boardrooms of corporations to the everyday choices of individuals, we all have a role in shaping the future. By embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and taking collective responsibility, we can turn the climate crisis into an opportunity for positive change. Now is the time to act because the future we create today will define the world of tomorrow.

This article was derived from these sessions

An Urgent Need for Climate Action and Progress | Amy Terpeluk & Brianne Chai-Onn

The Hydrogen Economy at the Crossroads | Assaf Sayada

The Futures of Our World: Life on a Planet with Natural Boundaries | Peter Schlosser

Reimagining Waste: Circular Economy Solutions for a Sustainable Future | Albert Douer

Climate Change and Its Impact on Black Childhood | Leah Austin

Destination DC — as a Blueprint for Urban Destinations to Create Brighter Futures for People and Planet | Elliott Ferguson

Cities of the Future: How to Create Cities That Are More Efficient, Sustainable and Climate Resilient | Syd Kitson

Empowering Farmers for a Climate-Resilient Future | Alison Ward

Unlocking the Multi-Gigaton Potential of Fresh Water as a Carbon Sink | Eyal Harel

Turning Sustainability Data Into Action | Kevin Vranes

Strategic Sustainability: Circularity in Luxury Consumer Goods | Florence Bulté

Financing Forests: Why Invest in Nature | Yishan Wong

Reigniting People Around the World to Turn Off the Plastic Tap and Curb Plastic Pollution | Anita Spiller

Navigating Business in a Turbulent World | Erik Saito

Sustainability Starts Here: The Board’s Role in Global Change | Henning Stein & Helle Bank Jørgensen

How Innovation Will Win the Fight Against Mass Extinction | Robin Ganzert

8 Billion Imperfect Environmentalists | Amber Nuttal

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Health and Climate: An Intertwined Crisis

Climate change has already begun to manifest severe health consequences, from the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue to the exacerbation of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses due to poor air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause an additional 250,000 deaths per year due to heat stress, malnutrition, and diseases such as malaria and diarrhoea. These statistics show that addressing climate change without considering health is a missed opportunity to mitigate its human toll.

At COP29, this realisation is coming to the fore. For the first time, health will have a dedicated day and see the introduction of various health-focused initiatives. Elmar Mammadov, Co-Lead of the COP29 Global and Regional Initiatives and Action Agenda Team, emphasised that the presidency aims to make health a permanent and sustainable focus at future COPs. Mammadov highlighted the intention to form a coalition with the WHO and previous COP presidencies, building on the legacy of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), an informal network established at COP26.

Key Health Initiatives at COP29

Several initiatives to enhance the intersection of health and climate resilience will be unveiled at COP29. The Harmonia 4 Climate Resilience Initiative, developed in collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aims to empower rural communities by integrating climate-resilient farming practices. This initiative recognises food security’s critical role in health outcomes, particularly in low-income regions where climate change threatens to undermine agricultural productivity.

Another major programme, the Baku Initiative on Human Development for Climate Resilience, is a multi-sectoral effort focusing on health, education, employment, and youth empowerment. This initiative addresses the social determinants of health, acknowledging that the effects of climate change are deeply intertwined with economic and educational disparities.

A significant focus of COP29 will be on integrating health into urban planning. Cities are increasingly seen as key battlegrounds in the fight against climate change, as they generate significant global carbon emissions. Mammadov pointed out several events and roundtables will be dedicated to healthy cities and urban agriculture. These discussions will explore how urban landscapes can be reimagined to promote better health outcomes, focusing on reforestation and sustainable urban farming practices.

The Global Health Impact of Climate Change

The WHO’s Director of Environment, Climate Change, and Health, Dr Maria Neira, stressed the importance of collaboration between COP29 and other UN agencies. She pointed out that climate change’s impacts on health are multifaceted, involving physical and mental health. For example, extreme heat and natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, have been linked to increased rates of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Neira also highlighted the importance of gender equity in climate and health discussions. Women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are often disproportionately affected by the health impacts of climate change. They are more likely to suffer from malnutrition and are often primary caregivers, making them more vulnerable to the cascading effects of climate-related health crises. Gender equity will thus be a key topic at COP29, ensuring that climate solutions are inclusive and address the needs of the most vulnerable.

Making COP29 Inclusive and Accessible

In addition to health, another key goal of COP29 is to make the conference more inclusive. Previous COPs have faced criticism for being inaccessible to certain groups, particularly from the Global South, due to high costs, visa issues, and limited opportunities for participation. Mammadov stressed that the presidency would make a concerted effort to ensure that all voices, particularly those from underrepresented regions, are heard. He emphasised that the success of climate action depends on incorporating diverse perspectives, particularly from those most affected by the climate crisis.

The presidency also encourages multilateral development banks and climate funds to invest in health and climate initiatives. By directing financial resources towards these areas, COP29 aims to catalyse tangible action to improve health outcomes and build resilience against future climate shocks.

Call to Action

As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and public health, COP29 presents a unique opportunity to align global climate and health policies. The initiatives outlined by the presidency, coupled with the WHO’s expertise, are a promising step towards making health a central component of climate action. However, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained political will, investment, and the involvement of all sectors of society.

The health impacts of climate change are not just a future threat — they are already being felt globally. Dr Neira aptly noted, “We cannot afford to wait until tomorrow to act on health and climate. The time to integrate these two agendas is now, and COP29 will be a critical milestone in this journey”.

By prioritising health at COP29 and beyond, global leaders have the chance to curb emissions and save lives. The challenge now is to ensure that the commitments made in Baku translate into real-world action, benefiting those most vulnerable to the health impacts of our changing climate.

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A discerning analysis of 42 indicators reveals a troubling reality: 41 are not on track to meet their 2030 targets. This revelation paints a sobering picture of the inadequacy characterizing our current approach to climate action. Over half of these indicators face a protracted trajectory, demanding an immediate and twofold acceleration of efforts throughout this crucial decade. The report further underscores the unsettling revelation that six indicators are moving in the wrong direction, posing formidable challenges to the core tenets of climate resilience.

As we navigate the challenge of climate governance, the report spotlights significant setbacks in critical areas. With subsidies nearly doubling, the steep increase in public financing for fossil fuels raises concerns about the sustained financial support underpinning environmentally disastrous practices. Moreover, the marginal increase in global deforestation to 5.8 million hectares in 2022 underscores the formidable challenges in achieving crucial conservation goals, accentuating the uphill battle against rampant deforestation.

Amidst the shadows cast by setbacks, the report unveils promising developments in certain sectors. The exponential growth in the share of electric vehicles in passenger car sales, surging from 1.6% in 2018 to 10% in 2022, illuminates a path toward sustainable transportation. Simultaneously, positive momentum in areas like mandatory corporate climate risk disclosure, electric truck sales, and the electric vehicle share in the passenger car fleet highlights the potential for transformative change, offering glimpses of a sustainable future.

The imperative for immediate and transformative change echoes across diverse sectors:

· Increasing Renewable Energies: A call for a twofold increase in the annual growth rate of solar and wind power, aiming for a 24% share in electricity generation by 2030.

· Coal Phase-Out: A compelling narrative advocates for the expeditious phase-out of coal in electricity generation, seven times faster than current rates.

· Rapid Transit Infrastructure: The report envisages a sixfold expansion in the coverage of rapid transit infrastructure, akin to constructing systems thrice the size of New York City’s network annually.

· Deforestation Reduction: The clarion call calls for a fourfold acceleration in reducing the annual rate of deforestation, corresponding to deforestation of 15 football fields per minute in 2022.

· Sustainable Diets: An eightfold acceleration is championed toward healthier, more sustainable diets, particularly in high-consuming regions.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the State of Climate Action 2023 stands as an imperative narrative, beckoning global leaders, policymakers, and citizens to endeavor to collectively recalibrate our approach to climate governance. As we navigate this complex terrain, the report underscores the transformative potential embedded within international collaboration, ambitious policy interventions, and a steadfast commitment to forging a sustainable trajectory for the future.

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The WMO’s annual reports, initiated in 2019, are vital for informing climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The 2023 report, with its spotlight on health, provides a wealth of scientifically based information to support national and international policy-making. This article delves into the key findings and recommendations of the report, underscoring the undeniable interconnection between climate and health.

The Grim Reality of Health Risks from Climate Change

The WMO report unequivocally states that the health risks from climate change will soar, with a projected over 50% increase in excess mortality by 2050, particularly in Africa. This stark prognosis results from intensified temperature extremes, storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. The consequences are not just statistical forecasts but real threats that will exacerbate the health disparities already experienced by the most vulnerable communities.

The Underestimated Impact of Extreme Heat

Notably, the WMO identifies extreme heat as a significant cause of mortality, with heat-related deaths potentially being 30 times higher than what current estimates suggest. Despite this, only half of the countries affected provide heat warning services to health decision-makers. The burden of heat-related mortality between 2000 and 2019 was especially high in Asia and Europe. With the onset of phenomena like El Niño, the report anticipates even more record-breaking temperatures, making the adaptation challenge greater.

Air Quality: A Silent Killer in the Climate Crisis

The quality of the air we breathe is a critical determinant of health. The report positions air quality as the fourth biggest killer by health risk factor. Despite the clear link between climate mitigation actions, such as reducing air pollution and saving lives, investment in this area is meagre. Only 2% of climate finance commitments to tackle air pollution in developing and emerging countries are recorded, revealing a significant gap in climate finance and health protection measures.

Investment Deficiency in Climate Services for Health

The report criticises the need for more investment in the health sector’s capabilities to deploy research and integrated systems for effective climate adaptation and mitigation-related decision-making. Alarmingly, just 0.2% of total bilateral and multilateral adaptation finance supports health-focused projects. This lack of investment leaves the health sector ill-prepared to safeguard the most vulnerable against climate impacts.

The WMO’s Role and Recommendations

In response to a UN request, the WMO, through its Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) has taken on the responsibility of reporting on the state of climate services to inform more effective investment and enhance adaptation and development outcomes. The 2023 report is comprehensive, covering a range of data, literature, policy documents, and case studies, and is structured to guide the reader from the challenges to actionable recommendations.

The report’s recommendations for the way forward include:

• Implementing early warning systems for extreme weather events.
• Increasing investment in climate services that focus on health.
• Transitioning to clean energy sources to mitigate air pollution.
• Enhancing healthcare infrastructure to withstand climate change.
• Focusing on the most vulnerable populations in climate adaptation measures.
• These steps are prescriptive and necessitate a paradigm shift in how we perceive the relationship between climate change and public health.

A Call for Concerted Action

Understanding and mitigating the health risks posed by climate change requires combined efforts from environmental and public health fronts. The WMO’s message is clear: Addressing the climate-health nexus is essential for the well-being of current and future generations. It calls for unprecedented cooperation among governments, corporations, and citizens.

Grassroots Initiatives and Global Policies

While the report highlights the role of global and national policies, it also emphasises the power of grassroots initiatives. From the renewable energy targets set by the Australian state of Victoria to Nigeria’s vibrant off-grid solar market, the report illustrates that people-centred initiatives offer a beacon of hope for a sustainable future free from fossil fuel dependence.

Conclusion

As the WMO 2023 State of Climate Services report illustrates, the intersection of climate change and public health is fraught with challenges yet ripe with opportunities. It is a multifaceted issue that requires a multidimensional response — one that is as informed by the complexities of global health as it is by the intricacies of the climate system.

With COP28 on the horizon and the climate crisis intensifying, the insights from this report are more relevant than ever. The global community is at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape the health outcomes of billions. It’s a stark reminder that in the race against climate change, there is no victory without safeguarding the health of the most vulnerable. The WMO’s report not only provides the roadmap but also the imperative to act without delay.

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The question is whether it can be successful.

A series of events over the past few years has made a successful COP even more challenging. Amid calls for drastic climate action now, there has been political backlash against climate change activism and mitigation in the United States, and the end of the pandemic has seen industrial operations, travel, and other human activity return to pre-pandemic levels, causing emissions to go up in some areas. In addition, COP27 saw the largest presence of fossil fuel interests of any previous COP meeting. At COP28 there will be an even larger presence given that it is being held in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates. Moreover, the appointment of the Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ANDOC) as the COP President has drawn the ire of some countries, along with climate and human rights activists.

The Stakes are High — IPPC’s Call for Urgent Action

Global conferences are nothing new. They make for interesting events, but often accomplish little in terms of catalyzing action. But this conference is different. The stakes could not be higher. COP28 attendees will take stock of the commitments made in Paris in 2015 to limit increase in global temperatures to 1.5 C and must forge commitments on a path forward. Decisions and accountability cannot be pushed to a future COP.

In March 2023, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released its latest report on the progress being made towards curbing carbon emissions to achieve the Paris goals, and the findings were dire, but not hopeless. In short, the UN noted, the IPCC report concluded that unless the global community acted very quickly to make significant reductions, the chance to keep emissions below 1.5C increase were in serious jeopardy.

The report highlighted the damage that is already being done and that will continue “hitting the most vulnerable people and ecosystems especially hard.” Aditi Mukherji, one of the report’s authors, noted that “almost half the world’s population lives in regions that are highly vulnerable to climate change.” She went on to note that “in the last decade, deaths, droughts, and storms were 15 times higher in highly vulnerable regions.” The report noted that temperatures have already risen 1.1 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

According to the IPCC, if temperatures are to stay below 1.5 degrees increase, deep and rapid emissions reductions are needed in all sectors. The report concluded emissions must be cut by 50% by 2030.

While certainly a dire picture, the IPCC opined that there was still time to achieve these goals if action was quick and decisive. The IPCC proposed a “climate resilient development” approach and an increased focus on finance and finding ways to protect the most vulnerable. The UN called for an “Acceleration Agenda” and urged an immediate end to coal burning while achieving net-zero electricity generation by 2035 for all developed countries and by 2040 for the rest of the world.

IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee noted that “the report underscores the urgency of taking more ambitious action and shows that if we act now, we can still secure a livable sustainable future for all.”

But his words of caution ring particularly true for this conference, when he observed that “transformational changes are more likely to succeed where there is trust, where everyone works together to prioritize risk reductions, and where benefits and burdens are shared equitably.”

A Firestorm of Controversy

Can the attendees at COP 28 rise to meet the moment, trust each other, and work together to prioritize reductions and have the benefits and burdens shared equitably, or is COP28 doomed to failure? The controversies and skepticism of the parties leading into COP28 suggest a difficult path forward.

The decision to hold the COP28 in Dubai caused controversy for a variety of reasons, notably because of the dominance of the oil industry in the country, inequitable treatment of women, and limits on expression of political dissent. A new furor erupted in June when the Sultan Al Jaber’s appointment was announced.

Environmental activists and others were outraged and called the appointment a clear conflict of interest. The LA Times editorial page wrote: “Putting an oil executive in charge is not only a bad look, but it also stands to undermine important and urgent negotiations and further erode public confidence in summits that have been criticized as little more than high-level venues for greenwashing.”

Climate activists also roundly condemned the appointment. Al Jaber’s appointment “poses an outrageous conflict of interest” and takes the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at the UN talks “to another dangerous and unprecedented level,” said Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International. Over 130 members of Congress and the European Parliament called for the removal of Sultan Al Jaber. There has also been significant concern about the limitations on protesting in the country. According to the Financial Times, COP28 organizers told speakers not to protest or criticize corporations, Islam, the UAE government or individuals.

Some leaders rallied to Al Jaber’s defense including US Climate Czar John Kerry who called the Sultan a “terrific choice” because his company knows it needs to transition.” EU Climate chief Frans Timmermans defended the UAE’s decision, asking people to “look at his impressive track record.”

Despite all the controversy, most countries and even most environmental organizations are still attending. Cherelle Blazer, senior advisor with Sierra Club’s climate group said it was “vitally important” that the members of civil society groups attend despite its being held “in a place that is hostile to protesting.”

In a rare interview the Guardian, the Sultan addressed concerns saying: “I decided I want to go and engage with everybody. I want everyone to be heard, and I want everyone to have face time with me. So, I travelled the world, and I even met with those who attack me publicly. I made it a point to go and see them.”

In further response to criticisms about hostility to protesting and concerns over inclusion and equality, on August 1, the UAE and the UN Climate group issued a joint statement trying to allay some fears on inclusiveness and the ability to protest:

“[W]e want to express our commitment to making COP28 and inclusive and safe space for all participants… We will work together to make CO28 the most inclusive UN Climate Change Conference to date.”

They sent a letter to all parties urging “increased participation and meaningful engagement of youth, women, and local communities, and Indigenous People … in climate decision making, policy and action.”

It went on to say, “In line with the UNFCCC guidelines and adherence to international human rights norms and principles, there will be space available for climate activists to assemble peacefully and make their voices heard.”

Only time will tell.

What is on the Agenda?

Sultan Al Jaber issued a strong call to action to the parties on the need to take strong and vigorous action:

• We must unite and seize the moment of the Global Stocktake to put the world on the right track to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• We need tangible progress, this year, on reform that will unlock far more concessional finance, mitigate risk, and attract more private capital.
• We must be laser focused on phasing out fossil fuel emissions, while phasing up viable, affordable zero carbon alternatives.

The Global Stocktake will be the first COP to undertake a process designed to examine the degree to which countries have been successful in taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a comprehensive way. The data gathering has been ongoing over the past year, but in Dubai the parties will evaluate the results. In other words, it will in theory provide a mechanism to hold countries accountable for their actions or inaction.

In conjunction with the call to action, the Presidency also established the agenda and themes for each day. The themes include:

· Health/Relief, Recovery and Peace — Focusing on “investments that protect lives and support community resilience and stability.”

· Finance/Trade/Gender Equality/Accountability — Finance and trade mechanisms will require transformational change to achieve the climate goals. The focus will be on scale, access, and affordability. Programs will address mechanisms to ensure accountability so that help turn promises into results. Also discussed will be gender-responsive policy-making and better access to finance in the pursuit of true advancement of gender equality.

· Energy, Industry and Just Transition — A focus on the various strategies and mechanisms to obtain massive decarbonization and just transition while accelerating economic opportunity and job growth, while also addressing universal energy access and the needs of workers across the energy sector transition.

· Multilevel Action, Urbanization & Built Environment/Transport — A key focus will be on government action at all levels — not just national governments. Mayors, governors, and others will be featured, with a particular focus on challenges in building resiliency in urban areas related to the built environment and transportation.

· Youth, Children, Education, and Skills — Younger generations will be most affected by climate impacts and engagement, inclusion in policy decision making, and adapting education to develop skillsets aligned with climate action among those groups is critical.

· Nature, Land Use & Oceans — Critical to Paris Climate goals are the sustainability of nature, land use, and oceans. Delivering climate and nature co-benefits through a range of financing mechanisms will be discussed. Attention will be given also to managing carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. There will also be a focus on increasing private equity investment to nature-positive accountability frameworks.

· Food, Agriculture & Water — Feeding the planet is critical and food supply is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Moreover, the food and agriculture industry are significant contributors to man-made climate emissions as well as water resources. This will focus on innovation and investment, regenerative agriculture, and related financing mechanisms. Freshwater restoration, conservation and infrastructure discussions will also be an area of focus.

Woven into all days will be four key topics: Technology & Innovation, Inclusion, Frontline Communities, and Finance. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, swirling around all this activity will be the formal negotiations by the government leaders over a new agreement.

Can COP28 Succeed?

Even in the best of circumstances, the ability to reach consensus across the global community on any issue of significance is daunting. COP28 will face tremendous headwinds given the lack of significant progress since 2015, the sheer complexity of the issues, the vast difference between countries in terms of development, the lack of trust among parties and stakeholders, and the controversy over the host country and the leadership of COP. The stakes are high for our planet and everyone on it. If the parties recognize what is truly at stake and the magnitude of the challenges, and if they can find a way to trust and put personal agendas aside, it can be successful.

It is a tall order, but our future depends on it. The world will be watching; and hoping.

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Some of us may feel we have no control over this global change. Some of us feel, however, that we can all do something to stop climate change. How many times did you struggle when making everyday choices? For conservationists and the likes, I bet it is quite difficult. The food we eat, the coffee we buy, the containers restaurants use, and even basic hygiene like taking a shower, we struggle every day to make conscious choices not to hurt our planet further. This is the baseline mentality of today for many conscious people.

It only makes sense for healthcare organizations to be at the forefront of the conservation effort for what the organizations exist for — well-being. However, our overall system does not have the efficiency to make the healthcare system environmentally friendly. The study done by the Australian Research Council and published in 2020 shows how the global supply chain feeds and cycles back into the environmental damage, counteracting what we promote in healthcare. The same study also shows the United States produces more carbon print than any other country.

Just like Covid-19, because climate change and global warming affect how we feel, people will start making conscious choices if they are not already doing so. More people will want to pay more to buy more eco-friendly products, as shown in this PBS poll. People will start banning, abandoning, and protesting businesses that are not conscious of the global climate change we experience collectively. Healthcare organizations will not be exempt from this tendency. People will want to know how much waste is generated and how wasteful organizations utilize resources.

This is not a simple problem that can be solved by healthcare organizations only, as we all know. In the example of recycling, the local ordinance matters as to whether the facilities can recycle or not. The infrastructure needed to recycle can be quite complicated. The entire cycle of a “thing” from the hands of the patients or from nurses to the recycling facility, there are so many barriers unless we think of the trail entirely. And this is only a small portion of the entire issue.

Greta Thunberg’s United Nations speech nailed it down to the core. Young people are creative in their activism demands by using music and arts. What are we doing to our children by not listening to their concerns and rights? What are we showing to future generations?

All healthcare organizations need to be at the forefront of the advocacy for supporting the effort to show they are aligned with their purpose of existence in the first place: caring for patients’ health. Healthcare leaders must restructure and advocate for change together with policymakers and stakeholders rather than waiting to be urged for change.

What you can do where you are:

1. Children learn about global warming and conscious choices they can make at school that adults may not necessarily actively have learned. Listen to their concerns, hopes, and dreams. Honor and encourage their wishes if they get motivated to do something for the earth or fundraise for causes, rather than dismissing their voices.
2. Find your tribe by joining groups and learning together. Join Pachamama Alliance’s 8-week intensive course, found here, for example. Use the resources in the courses to share data and stories of people making a difference. One of the books mentioned in the course was All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis. Join a chapter of Climate Change Project near you. Start a chapter if you don’t see one!
3. If you are a healthcare organizational leader, consider pledging by October 28th, 2022, to be recognized at United Nations Climate Conference in November 2022. The complete list is available here, which includes Stanford Health Care, Keck Medicine of USC, and many more.

What is the point of anything we do if Mother Earth cannot support our existence? Healthcare organizations must care for all patients’ well-being. It is supposedly their purpose.

Help Mother Earth breathe first, so She can let you breathe.

The post Why Healthcare Organizations Need to Be at the Forefront of Climate Change Activism appeared first on Medika Life.

There are myriad diseases that are currently linked to the impact of environmental toxins, but it doesn’t end there. There are more important long-term issues that will only grow progressively more challenging in the coming decades. These exist alongside the toxic climate we have created for our health. Issues like access to clean potable water, population density, plastics, and a host of other challenges.

Alongside these issues, racial disparities in health and society disproportionately shift the outcome of these pollutants and challenges onto the shoulders of racial minorities. Wealth acts as insulation, allowing access to superior levels of care, organic foods, and healthy lifestyle choices, including the ability to locate your family to areas where pollutants are less dense.

Poorer communities are however locked into a narrow band of choices, none of which are beneficial to their health.

These issues must be addressed. We can no longer afford to ignore them as chronic disease becomes our new normal. We believe that this is where the real challenge to our societal and global health will lie in the coming years. We also believe we’ve passed a tipping point and only desperate and immediate action will enable us to claw back a vestige of the damage we have inflicted, both to our home and ourselves.

If like us, you have concerns or would like to raise awareness, share a passionate and well-researched point of view on diseases and the environment, or other relevant environmental issues, then we would love to provide an audience for your thoughts. We’re also really big on solutions, which are in short supply, and FINN Partners is offering an added incentive to the best article we receive.

Our appreciation to frequent Medika Life contributor Gil Bashe, FINN Partners, Global Health Chair, and colleague Bob Martineau, JD, Senior Partner, Environmental and Sustainability, for their articles, commitment to EcoHealth, and support for this new editorial section.

A word from FINN Partners

For decades we have thought, written, and studied how environmental conditions and social determinants influence public health. Now as fires rage across the Pacific Northwest United States and floodwaters rise in Central Europe we see how environmental sustainability impacts human survival across developing and developed nations. 

Environmental health links directly to global public health. Medika Life has been serving as an editorial meeting ground for health professionals across the spectrum to explore how health is central to all human progress and continuity. 

Medika Life’s editors determined we will champion greater editorial discussion with a new section dedicated to EcoHealth. To encourage editorial submission, Medika Life and FINN Partners will honor an outstanding editorial contribution with a $500 donation made in the author’s honor to a global non-profit dedicated to environmental public health. 

Submissions

If you are active on Medium, please submit a draft of your work to Medika’s publication on Medium, BeingWell. If you’re not already a contributing author, please reach out to BeingWell’s EIC, Dr Jeff Livingston who will happily assist you in the process.

You can email Jeff at jefflivingmd@medika.life or reach out to our other editors, Dr. Hesham A. Hassaballa, Lisa Bradburn or Dr. Patricia Farrell.

If your article is one of those selected it will be published immediately on Medika Life and scheduled for subsequent publication on BeingWell. We will set up a dedicated author profile for you or your organization on the Medika site and you can submit additional material at your convenience.

Please note that as Medika caters to medical and health professionals, we will only consider materials from appropriately qualified authors and stakeholders. If you have questions or pitches you’d like to discuss, you can contact Medika’s EIC, Robert Turner, or reach out via email to robertturner@medika.life.

If you are not on Medium, you can submit articles directly to Robert on the email above. Please submit attachments in Word format or you are welcome to provide a link to a shared Google document.

The winning article will be selected by an editorial team from both Medika Life and Finn Partners and will be announced on the 31st of August, 2021. The relevant author will be notified by email and the article will be extensively advertised across social media. 

All rights are retained by authors on materials published to Medika Life.

The post The Environment and Our Health. Medika’s Open Call for Articles from Stakeholders appeared first on Medika Life.