Looking Back at COP28: Putting Public Health First in Climate Action

As COP28 came to a close, it became clearer the importance of focusing on public health to deal effectively with the climate crisis.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) played an important role at the COP28 Health Pavilion, leading talks to create a sustainable future that prioritizes the well-being of our planet and its people.

Let’s take a quick look back at some important moments from COP28 where key discussions happened about how climate and health are connected.

Embracing a Just Transition: Considering Health in Sustainability

One standout event during COP28 was the discussion on #JustTransition. Diverse voices came together to explore how health considerations could seamlessly fit into our journey toward a sustainable future.

At the event ‘Accelerating a Just Transition for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet,’ Hannah Marcus, Co-Chair of the Environmental Health Working Group at the WFPHA, discussed strategies for a smooth transition to a sustainable future, emphasizing the crucial role of both environmental and public health.

Marcus highlighted the importance of prioritizing public health within the broader context of global climate talks.

Confidence as a Catalyst: Driving Innovation for Change

Amidst the numerous insights shared at COP28, one particularly stood out, resonating with the essence of transformative change. Johan Rockström, Director at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research PIK, a notable voice at the conference, emphasized, “For real innovation to occur, we need to have confidence. Just as the Earth’s systems have tipping points, so do social systems; that is, when enough people have confidence in something new, a tipping point is passed and transformation becomes possible.”

That statement underscores that transformative change becomes achievable when a critical mass believes in something new. It served as a guiding principle, emphasizing confidence’s role in steering innovation towards sustainable solutions.

Insights from the Ground: Hannah Marcus’s Updates

Hannah Marcus kept us in the loop with live updates from COP28. From discussions on prioritizing environmental health to active participation in the Climate Mobility Pavilion youth forum, organized by the International Organization for Migration and the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, she provided real-time insights into the vital conversations shaping the conference.

Networking for Impact: Collaborative Efforts in Focus

Hannah Marcus’s interaction with global health leader DrMariaNeira, WHO Director for Environment, Climate Change, and Health, showcased the collaborative spirit needed to address the intersection of global health and climate action.

WFPHA supports the move away from fossil fuels but urges faster and more ambitious action soon. As we reflect on COP28, the resounding message is clear: public health must play a central role in the global climate agenda.

Join us in revisiting Hannah Marcus’s journey through this pivotal conference, where the well-being of our planet and its people took the spotlight.