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{"id":1616,"date":"2023-12-02T16:49:34","date_gmt":"2023-12-02T16:49:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/?p=1616"},"modified":"2023-12-19T09:12:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T09:12:01","slug":"voices-from-the-frontline-cop28-puts-health-at-the-core-of-climate-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kassfm.co.ke\/digital\/index.php\/2023\/12\/02\/voices-from-the-frontline-cop28-puts-health-at-the-core-of-climate-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Voices from the Frontline: COP28 Puts Health at the Core of Climate Action"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“As a doctor, I’m deeply concerned about how climate change is impacting my patients. It is unhealthy for my children and their future,” said Dr. Mary Rice, a pulmonary critical care physician<\/a> and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to Kass Media on the 28th year of climate change negotiations<\/a>, where 70,000 participants from around the world are attending the highly anticipated United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) summit in the UAE, Dr. Rice who is also a research scientist in the field of air pollution and climate change interaction, highlighted the direct impact of climate change on human health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifically pointing to air pollution resulting from the burning of fossil fuels<\/a>, Dr. Rice said: “Whether it’s for energy, transportation, or emissions of air pollutants, these activities contribute to health problems, particularly affecting the lungs and cardiovascular system.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Mary Rice, a pulmonary critical care physician speaking on the health concerns brought about by Climate Change in Expo City, Dubai,on December 1, 2023. Photo\/Chemtai Kirui.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“In my research, we found that children who reside in close proximity to busy roads in Boston are three times more likely to develop asthma. It’s noteworthy that Boston is considered a region with relatively clean air<\/a> compared to many parts of the world, and yet we observe significant health effects.” she said, adding that, “Witnessing firsthand the impact of asthma attacks on the quality of life for my patients, I understand the urgency of addressing air quality issues globally.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rice emphasized the urgency of the climate-health nexus<\/a>, set to take center stage on December 3rd, where policymakers, experts, industrialists, and activists will gather at the conference regarded as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against climate change to recognize the centrality of health in climate policy\u2014emphasizing the concept of “co-benefits.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I’m really hopeful that if we can incorporate health into every decision about climate mitigation and adaptation, that we’re going to make the right decisions and that’s going to improve equity and it’s going to improve health around the world.” Dr. Rice added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate Impact on Public Health is a Local Issue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While climate change poses global health risks, its impact disproportionately affects individuals in developing nations, making them more vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)<\/a>, ‘low-income countries and small island developing states (SIDS) experience severe health impacts despite their minimal contribution to global emissions. In regions vulnerable to these changes, the death rate from extreme weather events in the past decade was 15 times higher than in less vulnerable areas.’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report notes that; ‘3.6 billion people already reside in areas highly susceptible to climate change.’<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In Kenya, we have witnessed the relentless torrents claiming lives and displacing communities due to catastrophic flooding,” said President William Ruto in his National statement to the COP 28 High-level Segment. “The ensuing injury, loss, and damage extend beyond immense human toll, affecting vital infrastructure and disrupting critical supply chains across multiple sectors.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Ruto, who is also the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), said that, “The devastation complicates the daily struggle for survival for many households and communities.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A distance photo of President William Samoei Kipchirchir Arap Ruto, during his speech at the COP 28 High-level Segment in Expo City, Dubai, on December 1, 2023. Photo\/GK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Today in Africa, we witness increased weather problems, floods, and population growth. These issues are critical to health as they impact determinants like agriculture and nutrition,” said Professor Awa Marie Coll-Seck, the Minister of State to the President of the Republic of Senegal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“One of the main priorities in addressing climate change is understanding that every goal and activity must not overlook health. The interconnected nature of climate change and health is undeniable. It’s like having a car with a well-equipped engine but forgetting to ensure the health of the driver,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professor Coll-Seck, a specialist in infectious diseases and bacteriology-virology and the author of more than 150 scientific publications, highlighted that climate change exacerbates every problem in Africa pointing out that these issues are critical to health, as they impact determinants like agriculture and nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck, Minister of State to the President of the Republic of Senegal during the Side event at the COP 28 summit in Expo City, Dubai, on December 1, 2023. Photo\/Chemtai Kirui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“We have certificates of injuries, diseases, and death, and this is why we need to focus on Africa. Our generation faces unprecedented challenges that could jeopardize all our efforts.” She added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, the Health Minister of Malawi, backed Professor Coll-Seck’s call, emphasizing the stark impact of climate change on vulnerable communities with severe consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Africa presents growing evidence illustrating the devastating ways in which climate change affects local communities,” she said. “In the past five years, Malawi, has experienced annual cyclones resulting in death, displacement, and destruction,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chiponda said that in the current year alone, Malawi witnessed the displacement of 2 million people due to a cyclone<\/a>, with approximately 2000 injuries, 600 deaths, and 500 people still missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, MP \u2013 Minister of Health, Malawi, discussing the climate-health nexus, in Expo City, Dubai, on December 2, 2023. Photo\/Chemtai Kirui<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

“Beyond the immediate human impact, the country suffered losses in crops, homes, and livelihoods.” She said, adding that, the health sector also took a direct hit, as cyclone-induced damage to infrastructure remains unrepaired, hindering the resumption of health services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chiponda noted that beyond cyclone attacks, climate change is contributing to the resurgence of diseases that the region had made significant strides in eradicating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Malaria, a disease we had made progress in managing, has resurged due to climate change. Increased cases of cholera are affecting both urban and rural areas. Diseases like pneumonia and various cancers are on the rise, linked to changes in air quality and carbon emissions.” She said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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