AB026. Climate change and health: emerging consensus at the WHO and the UNFCCC-COP

Background: Since the resolution “Climate Change and Health” was adopted at the 61^st World Health Assembly in 2008, adaptation measures have been discussed at the World Health Organization (WHO). On the other hand, at the conferences of the parties (COP) convened under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), serious discussion on health started only at the COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. At the COP28 in Dubai, the first joint meeting of environment ministers and health ministers was held, in which the “COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health” was adopted. First, the historical process leading to the “UAE Declaration on Climate and Health” has been reviewed. Second, WHO’s priority areas have been identified. Third, reasons why health was highlighted at the COP26 have been explored.

Methods: Policy analysis was conducted, reviewing documents issued at the WHO, UNFCCC-COP, and other relevant global conferences, such as the United Nations (UN) High-Level Forum on Sustainable Development.

Results: First, at the COP26, the UK Government and the WHO promoted a health program. Second, the WHO supports the member states to conduct climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessment (V&A). The Alliance on Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) was also launched. Third, particularly since the COP21 in 2015, in which the Paris Agreement was adopted, mitigation measures have been the focus.

Conclusions: The mitigation measure to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) will attract more attention in the health and medical sector.

Keywords: Climate change; health adaptation measures; United Arab Emirates declaration (UAE declaration); United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); World Health Organization (WHO)