COP26: Millions of professionals ring climate-related health crisis alarm
Millions of health professionals and climate experts on Saturday at COP26 demanded an urgent action to tackle the growing climate-related health crisis. Under the aegis of Global Climate and Health Alliance, they made that call at the Global Conference on Health and Climate Change in Glasgow. The coalition raised the alarm of dangerous impacts on the lives and health of billions of people, warning it will continue over the next decades. The professionals noted that the change affects the most basic health requirements including clean air, safe water, sufficient food and adequate shelter. Global Climate and Health Alliance says new challenges are posed to infectious diseases control, deploring the increase in pressure on natural, economic and social systems. Ex-Australian Prime Minister and Chair of Wellcome Trust, Julia Gillard, said climate affects the economy and environment, making it one of the most urgent menaces. "If we can forge an inclusive climate and health movement that links charities, researchers and decision makers across the world, we will be able to create a healthy sustainable future, for generations to come", Gillard asserted. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) said countries must unite to highlight the unprecedented threat that climate change poses to humans. Ghebreyesus called for a common front, working in partnership with many interlinking sectors, including energy, food systems, transport, finance, and others. Dr Jeni Miller, Executive Director, Global Climate and Health Alliance, said well-being citizens across the world must become the beating heart of climate action. Political leaders must prioritise health and social equity, emission reduction and impact mitigation over politics, profit and unproven technological fixes." Miller informed leaders that the decisions made during COP26 will define the health and soundness of people for decades to come. "The impact of climate change on peoples mental health is an enormous problem that we need to face up to", said Prof Tahseen Jafry, Director of GCUs Centre for Climate Justice. In October, 550 organisations encompassing 46 million nurses, doctors and health professionals worldwide - two thirds of the global workforce - wrote to the 197 leaders and national delegations attending COP26.