The World Health Organization (WHO) wants to put the health of the world population at the center of the global climate conference COP28, which starts on Thursday in Dubai. “Negotiators urgently need to understand that climate change is a direct threat to global health and can no longer be ignored or downplayed,” the WHO said in Geneva on Monday.
She called on the more than 190 countries at the conference to do everything they can to keep warming below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels. Heat-related deaths among people over 65 have increased by 70 percent in the past twenty years, the WHO reports. She referred to reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that almost half of the world’s population – about 3.5 billion people – live in regions likely to be seriously affected by climate change.
The risk of disease outbreaks is increasing
Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heat waves put enormous pressure on healthcare systems. The WHO pointed out that disasters involving hundreds of thousands of displaced people increase the risk of disease outbreaks: drinking water sources are often destroyed or compromised. Hygiene becomes difficult. Vaccination programs are interrupted.
At the same time, disease vectors, such as certain mosquitoes, spread over larger areas as the heat increases. In addition, hospitals and clinics may be affected by flooding or other weather disasters.
Healthcare needs better equipment
According to the WHO, the healthcare sector in many particularly affected countries needs more funding to be better prepared for future challenges. This includes equipment such as solar panels for power supply.
According to the WHO, more health ministers will participate in a world climate conference than ever before. For the first time, attention is paid to the subject of health.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
