India's Absence on Health Day at COP28 Raises Eyebrows

At the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), India opted not to participate in the first-ever Health Day. Despite extending support to the ministerial proceedings hosted by the COP28 Presidency, the World Health Organization, and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, India's Health Ministry delegation was noticeably absent.

The focal point of concern revolves around a declaration endorsed by 124 countries, addressing the critical nexus between climate change and global health. The declaration advocates urgent and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to attain health benefits, enclosing aspects such as just transitions, lower air pollution, active mobility, and shifts towards sustainable, healthy diets.

The declaration, presented on the occasion of Health Day at COP28, highlights concerns regarding the adverse health impacts of climate change. Notably, both the United States and India, major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, refrained from becoming signatories to the declaration.

A notable contention emerged concerning a commitment outlined in the draft, requiring reductions in greenhouse gases specifically for cooling applications within healthcare infrastructure—a provision challenging for India to stick to, according to sources. 

India expressed uneasiness, highlighting that such reductions in greenhouse gases for cooling in the health sector might restrict its capacity to meet the escalating demands for medical services, particularly in remote and underserved areas, as communicated by a delegate from Kenya.

India's G20 declaration had earlier highlighted resilient health, focusing on building a robust healthcare system, enhancing access to medical countermeasures, and promoting the exchange of digital resources among nations.

The COP28 Declaration emphasizes the imperative of addressing the wide-ranging impacts of climate change on health, including considerations for mental health, preservation of traditional medicinal knowledge, protection of livelihoods and cultures, and strategies for addressing climate-induced displacement and migration.

The overarching goal of the declaration is to promote a holistic approach to comprehending and mitigating the diverse health challenges posed by a changing climate. Central to this objective is the commitment to combat inequalities within and among countries, aligning with policies that accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3, centered on good health and well-being.

Acknowledging the carbon footprint of health systems, the declaration encourages measures to curb emissions and reduce waste in the health sector. This involves assessing greenhouse gas emissions of health systems, formulating action plans, establishing nationally determined decarbonization targets, and implementing procurement standards for national health systems, including supply chains.

The declaration aims to promote sustainable practices within the health sector, contributing to broader climate goals, while India navigates its considerations and challenges on this global stage.

Whatever happens next, we will keep you updated.

Until then...

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