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Summary of the WHO/Brazil Reports on Climate Change and Health (Belém health Action Plan)
These reports, released by the WHO and the Brazilian government in advance of COP30, emphasize the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change and provide a roadmap for action through the Belém Health Action Plan. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
The Problem:
* Climate change is already impacting health systems globally. The reports provide clear evidence of this.
* Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected. Marginalized communities face the greatest risks.
* Insufficient funding is allocated to health adaptation. Just 7% of adaptation finance directed towards health coudl protect billions and maintain essential services during climate shocks.
* Inequities hinder effective adaptation. Addressing root causes of health inequity (within systems and society) is crucial.
The Solution: The Belém Health Action Plan
The Plan focuses on building climate-resilient health systems through three key lines of action:
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Strengthening climate-informed health surveillance.
- Evidence-Based Policies & Capacity Building: Implementing effective, equitable solutions at national and local levels.
- innovation, Production & Digital Health: Promoting research, growth, and access to relevant technologies.
Key Principles Guiding the Plan:
* Health Equity
* Climate Justice
* Leadership & Governance with Social Participation (emphasized in the companion report)
Recommendations for Governments:
* Integrate health objectives into Nationally determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
* Fund health adaptation using financial savings from decarbonization.
* Invest in resilient infrastructure, prioritizing health facilities and essential services.
* Empower communities and utilize local knowledge in shaping responses.
companion Report Focus:
The second report from Brazil highlights the importance of social participation, governance, and community engagement in designing and implementing effective climate and health policies. It stresses that adaptation must involve the active participation of communities, especially those most vulnerable.
Overall Message:
The reports provide a clear call to action,stating there is enough evidence and available interventions to scale up efforts today. Thay offer practical pathways – one focused on evidence and implementation, the other on inclusive participation – to translate the belém Health Action Plan into concrete action and address the growing health crisis driven by climate change.
