POLICY BRIEF FOR PARTIES – ADP SESSION 2.9 JUNE 2015 To Strengthen the Climate Health Nexus in UNFCCC Negotiating Text By the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) Within Article1 of the UNFCCC, "Adverse effects of climate change" are defined as “changes in the physical environment or biota resulting from climate change which have significant deleterious effects on […] human health and welfare”. Climate change is the 21st century's most pressing health issue. Yet in current discussions health is still being treated as a peripheral issue, even though it is overarching. Although it has tremendous impacts on health, this nexus is still poorly reflected in the current UNFCCC Negotiating Text, and the impending decisions in Paris at COP21 make this an issue of great urgency. The impacts of climate change on human health and social wellbeing are varied. Climate change is already directly changing the distribution of vector-borne diseases, and taking more lives through extreme weathers events. Through food and water insecurity, mass migration, and increased violence and conflict, climate change further threatens health indirectly by undermining the social and economic determinants of health. Every year, we lose millions of lives due to both the causes and consequences of climate change. Despite this, climate change should be seen as our biggest opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of populations around the world. In the Lima Call for action, health was included under Article 19, and currently stands as an option in the preambule of the draft Negotiating Text (Version of February 25th 2015): “ Recognizing that actions to address climate change simultaneously contribute to the attainment of the highest possible level of health and that climate change policies and health policies should be mutually supportive”
As the doctors of tomorrow, we demand more for our future patients, and ask for a greater inclusion of health within UNFCCC Negotiating Text. To this end, we recommend Parties to advocate for some amendments (underline) to the Draft Text on Advancing the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action, such as: Suggested Amendments to the Draft Negotiating Text (25th of February 2015 Version) Section C, Paragraph 3, Option 1: “All parties to strive to achieve [...] in order to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication and prosperity for the benefit and health of present and future generations [...]”, Section C, Paragraph 15: “All parties [and stakeholders] shall [ensure respect for human rights, public health and gender equity [...]. All Parties shall consider health implications of climate adaptation and mitigation (Art 4.1.f).” Section D, Paragraph 18: “Any agreed long-term objective [...] to adapt naturally to climate change, to protect public health and to ensure that food production is not threatened [...]. ” Section D, Paragraph 21, Option 6: To add based on Art. 4.1.f “Considering health implications of climate adaptation and mitigation” Section E, Paragraph 51, Options 3.1a; 3.3; 5.2.b; 7.h; or 9.b : To add according to the options “to protect public health” Section F, as a guiding principle: to add “Health impacts and co-benefits should be considered, valued and assessed in th selection of finance for and mitigation policies”
There are several opportunities for health to be integrated into the text on the way to Paris, so that its importance is not forgotten. The time is ticking, and we are inviting you to strengthen the climate health nexus within the UNFCCC Process. IFMSA would be pleased to discuss more with you its health review of the negotiating text. Contact Details Arthur Mello, Liaison Officer for Public Health Issues International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) lph@ifmsa.org | www.ifmsa.org | @ifmsa