POLICY PAPERS
Reducing the Health Risks of Climate Overshoot
The overarching goal of the Paris Agreement is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.” As the world nears the 1.5°C limit, the interplay between climate overshoot and human health becomes increasingly critical.
READ THE POLICY PAPER:
1. Understanding the health impacts of climate overshoot
The looming risk of climate overshoot underscores a range of severe health impacts:
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Physical health risks: increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, extreme weather events, and deteriorating air quality exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Malnutrition and vector-borne diseases are also on the rise due to disrupted food and water supplies.
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Mental health strains: Climate change-induced stress and displacement contribute to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
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Social and economic inequities: Vulnerable populations face heightened risks due to pre-existing inequalities, compounding their exposure to climate-related health hazards.
Credit: Climate Overshoot Commission - Policy Paper on Reducing the Health Risks of Climate Overshoot pg. 10
2. Policy recommendations: the CARE agenda to reduce health-related climate overshoot risks
A. Scale up climate finance to enhance health system resilience
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Targeted investments: Increase global climate finance with a focus on strengthening health systems and supporting adaptation measures. This involves elevating financial flows from developed to developing countries, adhering to and surpassing previous climate finance pledges.
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Support for vulnerable communities: Utilize financial mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund to bolster health and climate adaptation efforts in the most vulnerable regions.
B. Strengthen global governance
and financial mechanisms
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Streamline resources: Improve global governance structures to ensure efficient allocation of funds for health and climate adaptation. Strengthen financial mechanisms to better serve vulnerable communities and integrate health considerations into climate finance strategies.
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Fulfill financial commitments: Honor and exceed existing financial commitments to support health and climate action at the local level.
C. Implement fossil fuel phase-out and promote carbon removal
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Phased fossil fuel reduction: Develop a clear, equitable phase-out plan for fossil fuels, considering varied socio-economic contexts. This should prioritize reducing air pollution, promoting sustainable transportation, and encouraging plant-based diets.
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Integrate carbon dioxide removal (CDR): Incorporate CDR technologies to mitigate excess atmospheric CO2 and support health outcomes. Healthcare systems should adopt renewable energy, practice circular economy principles, and ensure supply chain transparency.
D. Decarbonize health systems using a comprehensive approach
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System-wide decarbonization: Apply a comprehensive approach to decarbonize health systems, focusing on sustainable practices across healthcare delivery, supply chains, and infrastructure. Emphasize preventive care and community-based services to reduce emissions and enhance patient outcomes.
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Invest in sustainable infrastructure: Develop energy-efficient healthcare facilities and support low-carbon travel and transport solutions to minimize the health system’s carbon footprint.
E. Research and regulate solar radiation
modification (SRM)
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Moratorium on deployment: Implement a moratorium on large-scale SRM experiments due to potential health risks and transboundary impacts. Focus research efforts on understanding the health implications of SRM, ensuring transparency and inclusive participation.
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Enhance governance: Foster international collaboration on SRM research, with equitable representation from both Global North and South. Conduct regular independent reviews and engage in broad consultations to address governance and health concerns.