COP28 calls attention to health-climate link

Over 120 nations back declaration that puts people at center of green actions

More than 120 countries have brought health to the front and center of climate action with the launch of the "COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health", bolstering the development of climate-resilient, sustainable, and equitable health systems.

COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said the climate challenge was "increasingly becoming a health challenge" that could no longer be divided, as he inaugurated the summit's Health Day on Sunday with the first climate and health ministerial meeting at a Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

He noted that beyond extreme heat, storms and floods, climate impacts were "affecting food security, water security and clean air", and compelled the private sectors to "find their way to help finance climate health interventions".