Leaders spotlight the critical intersection between health and climate ahead of COP-28 first-ever Health Day

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🗞️ Driving the news: Ahead of COP-28's 'Day of Health', global leaders underscore that the climate crisis, affecting nearly half the world's population, is also a health crisis
• Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlights the urgency for climate action due to the exacerbation of extreme weather, disease spread, and food security threats

🔭 The context: This discussion is set against the backdrop of New York Climate Week, held during the UN General Assembly in New York, USA
• Alarming statistics disclose that climate change is responsible for an increasing number of deaths, compromising water, land, and food security and amplifying disease spread

🌎 Why it matters for the planet: The health repercussions of climate change have severe economic implications, with projections of increased poverty and displacement due to climate-related health impacts
• Investments in health can have extensive returns, bolstering both individual well-being and economic health

⏭️ What's next: The event aimed to set the tone for New York Climate Week, encouraging leaders to focus on investing in adaptation and resilience, particularly in countries with lower carbon emissions yet facing severe climate-driven health consequences
• COP28 Presidency, with Dr. Sultan Al Jaber at the helm, is determined to emphasize these issues, rallying partners to make a positive difference

💬 One quote: "Climate change is the biggest threat to health in the 21st century and our very survival is at stake" (Dr. Vanessa Kerry, WHO)

📈 One stat: WHO estimates that an additional 250,000 people die annually due to climate change, with one in four deaths attributable to preventable environmental causes

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