Alexandre Padilla announced the first international climate adaptation plan focused on health during COP30
The Ministry of Health announced this Thursday, the 13th, the first international climate adaptation plan dedicated to health. The Health Action Plan for Belem was announced by Minister Alexandre Padilla at a press conference at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP30). This document is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners with over 100 countries and international organizations.
“The Belém plan represents Brazil’s and the international community’s commitment to life and climate justice. We call for a global effort to strengthen the preparedness of health systems to face extreme heat, floods, droughts and other emergencies and protect the health of the most vulnerable,” Pasilla said.
Adaptation will be one of the main focuses of the Conference of the Parties to be held in Belen, Pennsylvania. This theme envisions countries adopting strategies to reduce the effects of climate change, which has caused extreme events across the globe. A recent example is the tornado that hit Paraná.
“Belem represents a new paradigm. Taking care of our health also means taking care of our planet. Only with science, solidarity and collective action can we build a fairer and healthier future for all,” he added.
This document outlines concrete actions to help delegates prepare to respond to the impacts of climate change in the health sector. Brazil led the development of the plan along with the United Kingdom, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and the United Arab Emirates, the countries where the COP was last held.
According to the minister, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts pose challenges to health systems, especially in vulnerable regions. Climate change is also contributing to an increase in illnesses and deaths due to extreme heat, a phenomenon that affects several countries every year.
“An example concerns the city of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu, which was hit by a cyclone last Saturday. The cyclone destroyed several health services, but the reconstruction of these health services will already be carried out using new construction standards, that is, structures that are more resilient to climate change. Brazil will adapt according to these experiences that have already taken place, and the health system will already be adapting with climate change in mind,” he added.
In addition to Mr Pasilla, UN Climate Secretary Simon Stier also participated in the launch of the plan. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebresos; and Anna Toni, CEO of COP30. Ghebreisos concluded Pasilla’s speech by saying that health issues have been ignored for some time in other COPs, but Belen has changed that.
“Health is the most compelling reason to act on climate change, but for too long it has taken a back seat in climate change negotiations. The Belem Plan changes that, offering concrete actions that countries can take to build healthier and more resilient communities in a warming world,” he stressed.
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