Unprecedented Consensus of Health Stakeholders Demands Ambitious Climate Action at 2015 Climate and Health Summit
[From Global Climate and Health Alliance] On December 5th, the 2015 Climate and Health Summit brought together more than 300 health experts and policy-makers in Paris. World leaders are gathered in the French capital to close the deal on a universal agreement to tackle climate change. Six days into the negotiations, the Summit was a chance to reflect on the immense health impacts of climate change and the health opportunities of climate action, as well as a crucial opportunity for bold commitments to protect health.
In the weeks leading up to the Paris meeting, the health sector has stepped up to ensure that governments understand the health implications of our climate choices. Doctors, nurses, public health professionals, NGOs and students all over the world have been lobbying climate negotiators on global, regional and local levels, demanding ambitious action.
In the closing hours of the Summit, the results of combined declarations from every part of the health sector were released. Signatories represented more than 1,700 health institutions, and 13 million health professionals. This unprecedented medical consensus demanded action to mitigate climate change, enhance the adaptive capacity of communities and health systems, and improve decision-making processes around health and energy policy areas. Among these signatories were 41 health systems, inclusive of more than 8,200 hospitals and health systems which had pledged to lead by example in reducing emissions and preparing for the impacts of climatic change...(Continue reading)
The statement from GCHA comes as more than 50 major health systems, representing over 8,200 hospitals and health centers in 16 countries from every continent, have come together in joining the 2020 Health Care Climate Challenge. Led by Health Care Without Harm, these health systems are pledging to reduce their own carbon footprint, become climate resilient anchors in their communities, and pursue both political and economic solutions that will protect public health from climate change...(Continue reading)
