Calling on world leaders to recognize climate change and biodiversity loss as one indivisible global health emergency

Over 200 Health Journals Call for Action on Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

Multiple health journals from around the world have joined forces to publish an editorial simultaneously, urging world leaders and health professionals to recognize the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss. They emphasize that these crises must be addressed together to safeguard health and prevent catastrophe.

A Dangerous Mistake

The authors of the editorial argue that treating the climate crisis and the nature crisis as separate challenges is a “dangerous mistake.” They call on the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare this indivisible crisis as a global health emergency.

Global Collaboration

The editorial has been published in leading journals such as The BMJ, The Lancet, JAMA, the Medical Journal of Australia, the East African Medical Journal, the National Medical Journal of India, and Dubai Medical Journal.

Direct Impact on Human Health

Both the climate crisis and the nature crisis directly harm human health, with the most vulnerable communities often bearing the greatest burden. Climate change exacerbates major health threats such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, air pollution, and the spread of infectious diseases.

For instance, pollution has compromised water quality, leading to an increase in water-borne diseases. Additionally, ocean acidification has negatively impacted the quality and quantity of seafood, which billions of people rely on for sustenance and livelihoods.

Consequences of Biodiversity Loss

Biodiversity loss undermines nutrition and hinders the discovery of new medicines derived from nature. Changes in land use have also resulted in increased contact between species, leading to a higher exchange of pathogens and the emergence of new diseases and pandemics.

Importance of Green Spaces

Access to high-quality green spaces is crucial for community health. These spaces help filter air pollution, reduce air and ground temperatures, and provide opportunities for physical activity. Connecting with nature also reduces stress, loneliness, and depression while promoting social interaction. However, these benefits are threatened by the ongoing urbanization trend.

Unmet Commitments

In December 2022, the biodiversity conference (COP) agreed on the effective conservation and management of at least 30% of the world’s land, coastal areas, and oceans by 2030. However, the authors highlight that climate and nature scientists who provide evidence for COPs remain largely separate, and many commitments have not been fulfilled.

The authors warn that pushing ecosystems to the brink greatly increases the risk of nature’s breakdown. Even if global warming is limited to a 1.5◦C increase over pre-industrial levels, catastrophic harm to health can still occur through the destruction of nature.

Call for Action

The severe impacts on health and the existing risks necessitate the declaration of the indivisible climate and nature crisis as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization. The authors urge for harmonization of COP processes, with better integration of national climate plans and biodiversity equivalents.

Health professionals play a crucial role in advocating for biodiversity restoration and climate change mitigation. Political leaders must recognize the threats to health posed by the planetary crisis and acknowledge the potential health benefits that can result from addressing this crisis. The authors emphasize the need to recognize this crisis as a global health emergency.

“The climate crisis and loss of biodiversity both damage human health, and they are interlinked. That’s why we must consider them together and declare a global health emergency. It makes no sense for climate and nature scientists and politicians to consider the health and nature crises in separate silos.”

– Kamran Abbasi, Editor in Chief of The BMJ

Kamran Abbasi adds that health professionals are highly trusted by the public and have a pivotal role in conveying this important message. They should advocate for politicians to recognize and take urgent action to address this global health emergency. The publication of this editorial is supported by over 200 health journals, collectively sending a clear message.

The journal editors have also launched a petition, coinciding with the publication of the editorial, calling for the World Health Organization to declare a global public health emergency at the World Health Assembly in May 2024.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to the following SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

The specific targets under the identified SDGs are:

• Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience and taking action for their restoration, to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Air pollution levels and their impact on human health can be used as an indicator for Target 3.9 (SDG 3).
• Water pollution levels and their impact on human health can be used as an indicator for Target 6.3 (SDG 6).
• The availability and accessibility of high-quality green spaces in urban areas can be used as an indicator for Target 11.7 (SDG 11).
• The impact of climate change on health, including extreme weather events and the spread of infectious diseases, can be used as an indicator for Target 13.1 (SDG 13).
• Ocean acidification levels and their impact on seafood quality and quantity can be used as an indicator for Target 14.2 (SDG 14).
• The impact of changes in land use on the emergence of new diseases and pandemics can be used as an indicator for Target 15.5 (SDG 15).

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Source: news-medical.net

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