Looking Back at COP28: Putting Public Health First in Climate Action

As COP28 came to a close, it became clearer the importance of focusing on public health to deal effectively with the climate crisis.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) played an important role at the COP28 Health Pavilion, leading talks to create a sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of our planet and its people.

Let’s take a quick look back at some important moments from COP28 where key discussions happened about how climate and health are connected.

Embracing a Just Transition: Considering Health in Sustainability

One standout event during COP28 was the discussion on #JustTransition. Diverse voices came together to explore how health considerations could seamlessly fit into our journey toward a sustainable future.

At the event ‘Accelerating a Just Transition for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet,’ Hannah Marcus, Co-Chair of the Environmental Health Working Group at the WFPHA, discussed strategies for a smooth transition to a sustainable future, emphasizing the crucial role of both environmental and public health.

Marcus highlighted the importance of prioritizing public health within the broader context of global climate talks.

Confidence as a Catalyst: Driving Innovation for Change

Amidst the numerous insights shared at COP28, one particularly stood out, resonating with the essence of transformative change. Johan Rockström, Director at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research PIK, a notable voice at the conference, emphasized, “For real innovation to occur, we need to have confidence. Just as the Earth’s systems have tipping points, so do social systems; that is, when enough people have confidence in something new, a tipping point is passed and transformation becomes possible.”

That statement underscores that transformative change becomes achievable when a critical mass believes in something new. It served as a guiding principle, emphasizing confidence’s role in steering innovation towards sustainable solutions.

Insights from the Ground: Hannah Marcus’s Updates

Hannah Marcus kept us in the loop with live updates from COP28. From discussions on prioritizing environmental health to active participation in the Climate Mobility Pavilion youth forum, organized by the International Organization for Migration and the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, she provided real-time insights into the vital conversations shaping the conference.

Networking for Impact: Collaborative Efforts in Focus

Hannah Marcus’s interaction with global health leader DrMariaNeira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, showcased the collaborative spirit needed to address the intersection of global health and climate action.

WFPHA supports the move away from fossil fuels but urges faster and more ambitious action soon. As we reflect on COP28, the resounding message is clear: public health must play a central role in the global climate agenda.

Join us in revisiting Hannah Marcus’s journey through this pivotal conference, where the well-being of our planet and its people took the spotlight.

Exploring the Climate-Health Nexus: My Journey at COP28 with WFPHA

I recently had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the global conversations surrounding climate and health at COP28.

I’m deeply passionate about global environmental health and proudly serve as the co-chair of the Environmental Health Working Group at the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA). Our focus revolves around tackling critical issues such as climate change, air pollution, and disaster response.

COP28 marked a significant milestone for WFPHA, symbolizing our debut on the global climate stage. As our organization gained UNFCCC status in 2023, this conference held immense importance for us.

Throughout COP28, we orchestrated impactful events, engaged with influential figures, and collaborated on policy statements to underscore the pivotal role of public health in climate action.

The sessions I attended were truly eye-opening, covering diverse topics like climate-related migration, mental health impacts, health sector adaptation planning, building climate-resilient food systems, establishing early warning systems, climate adaptation in river delta environments, clean cooking solutions, climate and health finance, climate justice and indigenous rights in the context of the renewable energy transition.

Connecting with organizations like the Global Climate and Health Alliance was inspiring, opening doors to potential future collaborations.

This experience has solidified my belief in the crucial integration of climate and health perspectives. I am genuinely excited about the collective efforts propelling us toward a healthier and more sustainable future.

Stay tuned for updates on the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group.

Urgent Appeal: WFPHA Addresses WHO Executive Board on Health Conditions in Occupied Palestinian Territory

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) congratulates the initiative of the World Health Organization Executive Board to hold a Special Session on the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory. As an entity that represents 130 national associations and more than 5 million health practitioners around the globe, the WFPHA joins with UN and WHO leaders’ voices expresses deep concerns about the situation, echoing the voices of UN and WHO leaders.

Urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas militants, the WFPHA emphasizes the need for a peace process to safeguard the well-being of health professionals and the civilian population in the region.

Bridging the Gap: Public Health at the Forefront of Climate Action

On the inaugural Health Day at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), the World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) Environmental Health Working Group advocates for a renewed focus on the critical nexus between climate change and global health at the #COP28UAE Health Pavilion.

The urgency to address climate change resonates louder than ever. The WFPHA underscores the significance of acknowledging and mitigating the intricate links between climate change and the health and wellbeing of communities across the globe. This advocacy finds its foundation within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement – the principal global forums orchestrating the response to climate change.

At the heart of these international efforts, the WFPHA, through its Environmental Health Working Group, actively contributes to shaping discussions and policies that prioritize public health amidst the escalating threats posed by the climate crisis.

It is imperative to recognize the inseparable nature of the climate crisis and public health. From rising temperatures to unprecedented weather events, the WFPHA stresses the need for comprehensive strategies to address these challenges, placing public health at the forefront of the global agenda.

The climate crisis is not solely an environmental concern; it is fundamentally a health crisis. With this understanding, the WFPHA calls for immediate and concerted actions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of communities worldwide.

As we navigate the complexities of the climate crisis, the WFPHA urges leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to champion public health in climate action initiatives. The first Health Day at COP28 serves as a poignant reminder that the health of our planet and the health of its inhabitants are intricately interconnected.

Now is the time for bold commitments and transformative actions. The WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group stands steadfast in its commitment to advancing the discourse on climate change and health. Together, let us forge a path toward a sustainable future where health takes precedence in the global climate narrative.

Hannah Marcus, Co-Chair of the WFPHA Environmental Health Working Group, is set to address two crucial events at COP28.

On December 5, 2023, from 15:00 to 16:30, she will speak at ‘Accelerating a Just Transition for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet.’ Join us at Side Event Room 4, Zone B6, Building 83.

The following day, December 6, don’t miss her insights at ‘Breathing for a Better Tomorrow: Engaging Health Professionals and Civil Society for Clean Air and Healthy Climate,’ taking place from 3:15 to 4:30 pm GST at the WHO Pavilion.

World Hearing Forum: Advocating for a Sound Public Health Approach 

The World Hearing Forum convened on November 27-28 in Geneva, uniting global stakeholders committed to advancing ear and hearing care. As representatives of the World Federation of Public Health Associations Public Engagement Taskforce (WFPHA PET), we were honored to participate in this vital initiative.

The Global Impact of Hearing Impairment:

Hearing impairment affects approximately one in five individuals worldwide, constituting a significant public health challenge often underestimated. While the types of hearing impairment and treatments vary across age groups and causes, the issue persists throughout the lifespan. Unfortunately, routine screening remains inconsistent, primarily focusing on infants and young children in limited regions. Innovative programs, such as streamlined hearing aids and accessible screening methods administered by trained health workers, are emerging to address these gaps.

Forum Highlights:

Day One: Voices of Those with Hearing Loss:

• The initial day spotlighted the experiences of individuals with hearing loss, their families, and friends.
• Key issues included the stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, misconceptions about sign language, and challenges in accessing screening and related services.

Day Two: Perspectives of Service Providers:

• The second day delved into the experiences of service providers, with a focus on the public health aspects of hearing care.
• Elisabeth Tshiama Mukendi, representing WFPHA, highlighted the connection between public health competencies and healthy hearing.

Audience Participation and Workshops:

Both days featured workshops engaging participants in identifying causes of hearing loss and proposing remedial actions. Attendees collaboratively discussed organizations and individuals capable of championing improved services.

Addressing the Perception Gap:

Hearing impairment often faces dismissal, attributed to factors such as aging or occupational noise exposure. However, beyond the physical hazards, it contributes to associated health problems, hindering complete understanding of instructions and withdrawal from situations requiring optimal hearing.

Call to Action:

A comprehensive awareness campaign is imperative, targeting communities, health providers, practitioners, and policymakers to advocate for screening at all ages. This inclusive approach encompasses birth, childhood, noisy work environments, regular attendees of loud venues, and older individuals.

Public Health Competencies for Hearing Loss:

The forum emphasized the need for:

• Comprehensive surveillance programs.
• Maintenance of remedial programs, including during emergencies.
• Access to appropriate equipment and medical devices.
• Vaccination against infections linked to hearing loss.

In conclusion, hearing loss demands a collective commitment to public health, urging us to recognize its pervasive impact and work collaboratively toward a world where healthy hearing is a shared priority.