The need to address climate change has become one of the greatest challenges of our time. Expectedly, global stakeholders have risen to the task by mobilising climate finance. So far, so much money has been raised for this course such that the yearly average (2021-2022) stood at a whopping $1.3 trillion, according to a report by Climate Policy Initiative.
As these billions of dollars get funnelled into climate action, it has become important to remember that human well-being encompasses much more than reducing carbon emissions. Universal healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations, remains a pressing issue. The world must strike a balance, ensuring that while we combat climate change, we don’t overlook the urgent need for accessible healthcare.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan recently raised a pertinent point that underscores this argument during his opening speech at the recently-held COP29 World Leaders Climate Summit. In his scathing critique of what he described as Western Nations’ hypocritical stance on Climate Change, President Aliyev suggested that the focus shouldn't be on climate action at the expense of other vital development efforts. This aligns with my point, which is that there is an urgent need for a holistic approach that recognises the diverse priorities of humankind - including the need for universal healthcare while we strive to save planet Earth.
Health and Climate Actions can Co-exist
As the ongoing COP29 draws global attention to the need for climate action, climate finance has continued to dominate the agenda. Nations, corporations, and international organiastions are all pledging more money towards decarbonisation projects, renewable energy, and climate resilience efforts. While this is commendable, it's critical to recognise that people in many parts of the world still lack access to basic healthcare. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half the world's population still lacks access to essential health services. Also, out-of-pocket health spending is pushing almost 100 million people into extreme poverty each year.
It's easy to think of climate and health as separate issues, however, as a matter of fact, they are deeply interconnected. Environmental degradation and climate change pose severe risks to human health, from increasing respiratory diseases to the spread of infectious diseases linked to changing weather patterns. However, a lack of robust health systems can undermine a community’s resilience to these climate impacts. In countries where healthcare infrastructure is fragile, populations are doubly vulnerable — not only to the direct effects of climate change but also to the lack of medical care that could mitigate these impacts.
For example, in Sub-Saharan Africa, investments in health systems have lagged behind investments in other sectors, despite the continent being one of the most vulnerable to climate change impacts. This imbalance has sparked debate over whether international financial institutions, which often prioritise climate-related projects, should also allocate significant funding to healthcare infrastructure.
Why Healthcare Must Be Prioritised
Prioritising healthcare, especially in lower-income countries, is not just a humanitarian necessity but also an economic one. Healthy populations are more productive, resilient, and capable of participating in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. Investing in health systems, therefore, supports climate goals indirectly. It helps create the foundation of a thriving society that can withstand and adapt to environmental changes.
Moreover, regions rich in natural resources, such as oil and mining countries, often find themselves at odds with global climate goals. However, penalising these nations by limiting their access to international funding for healthcare projects can exacerbate inequalities. The people living in these regions should not be punished for the industries that support their economies. Instead, there should be a concerted effort to assist them in transitioning to greener economies while simultaneously providing them with the healthcare they need.
COP29 and the Opportunity for a New Approach
COP29 offers a platform to rethink how we approach global challenges. Rather than viewing climate and health as competing priorities, the conference should advocate for integrated solutions. A shift in narrative is needed —from “climate finance versus other needs” to “climate finance alongside other critical development needs.” This would involve expanding the scope of climate funds to include health-related projects that also have climate benefits, such as building climate-resilient hospitals and improving access to clean water and sanitation.
International agreements and financial pledges must reflect this more nuanced understanding. Organisations like the World Health Organization have called for greater integration of health into climate discussions, noting that the benefits of such an approach extend well beyond immediate health outcomes.
A Unified Path Forward
It is time for a unified strategy that addresses the intertwined nature of health and climate. Effective climate action should not leave any community behind, and the definition of “climate resilience” must be broadened to include access to healthcare. As the world convenes at COP29, leaders must remember that funding clean energy is only one piece of the puzzle. Equally vital is the need to strengthen health systems, ensuring that all people, especially the most vulnerable, have the resources they need to thrive in a changing world.