Author: Kalipa Gedion Kisuse

My experience at COP28 has been both overwhelming and life-changing. This course and the culminating conference have been the highlight of my semester. I’ve learned a great deal about how international actors solve problems, an essential skill for my global health career. The complexities of reaching a consensus amidst contrasting interests have become clear to me. Although we did not achieve the desired targets at the adjournment of COP28, the conference illuminated new avenues to pursue.

Attending COP28 was a pivotal step in developing my research skills. I connected with researchers conducting observational studies on how high heat influences maternal morbidity and how particulate matter has led to the emergence of respiratory illnesses. Witnessing the groundbreaking work already conducted was inspiring. However, significant gaps remain in addressing and exploring the link between climate and health. The connections I made provide strong support in my quest to study climate factors influencing MI patients.

The clients I worked with at the conference were remarkable. The Global Climate and Health Alliance, a leading organization in the health and climate space, is committed to tracking gaps in negotiations and guiding countries in the right direction. Much work is still needed in advocacy and outreach, and I am eager to continue collaborating with them to fulfill their mission. RTI International’s impactful interventions in the climate and health space highlight their potential for significant contributions to adaptation and mitigation efforts. Being affiliated with them would be invaluable in understanding how impactful I can be in these areas.

The final results of the negotiations at this conference saddened many hearts. Despite overwhelming evidence, parties were still reluctant to take strict measures to phase out fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the passion of the health delegates, indigenous communities, and youth was encouraging. We will keep fighting for what is right!

The climate space is vast, with numerous avenues for making a difference. While my specific role is still uncertain, I am determined to utilize the network, clients, and skills I have gained to find my path. The climate and health space is novel to many health workers, and my role in spreading awareness, influencing policies, and designing impactful interventions is significant. Let us see where this journey leads!

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.

The journey to COP28 has been fascinating and enlightening. As a health major, the climate space was initially unfamiliar territory. However, the lectures in class have been instrumental in familiarizing me with the UNFCCC context and the various tracks surrounding climate issues. For instance, I had no idea what carbon markets were before taking these classes. One of the most exciting components of the course has been securing clients who provide focus during the overwhelming conference while assisting them in achieving their deliverables. I am fortunate to have three clients: The United Republic of Tanzania (my home country), the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA), and RTI International.

A few months before COP28, I worked closely with GCHA, which provided a comprehensive orientation on the roles of health workers, researchers, and organizations in recent years. This was crucial in discovering my place within the UNFCCC framework. It also provided a great opportunity to network with health and climate enthusiasts from different universities, organizations, and countries. During this time, I identified my prospective tasks for COP28: tracking negotiations, attending daily health briefings and meetings, and engaging in party outreach. My primary focus will be on the theme of “Loss and Damage,” although I will also attend other thematic discussions.

I have learned a great deal this semester. While COP28 remains a labyrinth of many ideas, interests, and people, I am excited to see how my 14 days in Dubai will unfold.