BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) — The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) called for regional solidarity to address the health impacts of the “triple planetary crisis” of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution during the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28).
The regional body’s deputy director, Rhonda Sealey-Thomas, called on countries in the Americas to “ensure they consider the health impacts of climate change as they continue to rebuild and strengthen health systems in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.” says a PAHO statement this Tuesday.
Speaking at “Health and Climate Change in the Americas: How to Protect People’s Health in the Climate Crisis?”, an event on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, Sealey-Thomas explained that the impact of climate change in the Americas “ “are compounded by the deficiencies in health infrastructure and systems to promote health, prevent disease and respond effectively to crises, disasters and emergencies.”
According to PAHO, climate change is not only exacerbating existing health threats, but is also having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities as well as those living on the front lines of climate change, including small island states in the Caribbean.
The Deputy Director highlighted PAHO’s work to support countries in the Americas to develop climate-resilient health systems, including through strengthening health surveillance systems and creating climate and health observatories and health systems. Early climate health warning.
COP28 will take place from November 30 to December 12 “at a critical time for transformative climate action, halfway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG13 – Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change and SDG3 – Guaranteeing “We promote healthy living and promote the well-being of all people of all ages, which is inextricably linked to the climate,” PAHO explained.