PRE-COP28

As a health major student, I was initially unsure of my place at COP28. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that health professionals have been involved in the UNFCCC space for quite some time. A growing health delegation has been attending COP conferences, with increasing emphasis on researching the relationship between climate and health.

Since COP26, the WHO has established a Health Pavilion to raise awareness of this critical link. While there has never been a dedicated health agenda item at COPs, this ongoing health movement has led to the recognition of health in the Paris Agreement and the outcomes of COP27. The prospects for COP28 looked promising.

INTRA-COP28

COP28 witnessed the highest presence of health ministers, ministerial representatives, and health workers ever. The health declaration made at the conference marked states’ acknowledgment of the urgent need for climate action to preserve health. This included strengthening policies, addressing health determinants in the climate space, and collaborating on research.

A unique aspect of COP28 was the inaugural Health Day on December 3rd. The day saw a tremendous amount of health-focused discussions, with many participants positively receiving the message that health is a vital reason for committing to climate action.

Among the several tasks that health professionals undertook, the Global Climate and Health Alliance played a leading role in advocacy. This involved negotiation tracking to keep everyone informed about developments in every thematic area. We held daily briefings to update all health delegates and identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, we engaged in party outreach, reaching out to countries that could benefit from a health perspective to formulate favorable positions.

COP28 also provided an excellent platform for networking. Various side events and receptions allowed us to connect with brilliant minds from around the world, all working towards the same goal: a healthy climate.

Unfortunately, health did not penetrate most negotiations. Discussions on the Global Stock Take, Global Goal of Adaptation, and Fossil Fuels often lacked the influence or mention of health.

POST-COP28

The health delegation and organizations did a terrific job amplifying the intersection of health and climate at the conference. The tasks of preparing for the next conference to ensure a healthy climate begin now, right after COP28.

We are developing effective health parameters for climate phenomena. This will allow us to accurately monitor the progress of climate change and its interventions, considering the health of communities. We currently have National Determined Contribution and Air Pollution scorecards, which have proven effective, but there is still much more research to be done.

We also aim to continue working with different countries to ensure that preserving health and making favorable climate decisions go hand in hand. While health bodies may not be prominently featured in the next COP, their presence in negotiations could prove vital.

Finally, I urge more health-related students to apply for the Duke UNFCCC course and attend COP meetings.