Opening remarks at The Health Argument for Climate Action side event, at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Esteemed partners and colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Thank you for the opportunity to discuss one of the issues affecting health globally.

We are here today to discuss an issue of paramount concern: the intersection of climate change and public health. The same actions that are destabilizing our climate today are also damaging our health.

As a Pacific Islander, I've seen firsthand the impact that climate change has on our islands-on our communities, on our families, and on our way of life. But in my role as the Regional Director for the WHO in the Western Pacific, I've also seen the wide-reaching effects across the globe. It's not just one place-it's everywhere, and it's happening now.

WHO has long warned about the health impacts of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial activities release greenhouse gases that trap heat in our atmosphere, leading to global warming. These activities not only alter our climate but also pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Air pollution, for instance, is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and even premature death.

We are not moving fast enough. The lack of progress in reducing emissions and building climate resilience threatens both human lives and the viability of national health systems.

Climate change is a public health issue that cuts across every sector: agriculture, water management, city planning, and more.

Extreme weather events-whether it's scorching heat, floods, or devastating hurricanes-are wreaking havoc on food systems, leading to hunger and insecurity. Water is becoming more scarce and contaminated, driving up cases of waterborne diseases. Urban areas, with their dense populations, are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities and hindering development.

We must recognize that the health of the planet is tied to the health of people. If we frame climate change as the public health crisis that it truly is, we can rally a broader group to take action, from doctors and nurses to politicians and everyday citizens.

What we need are health-centred solutions which address multiple challenges simultaneously. For example, transitioning to renewable energy sources not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also decreases air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health. By making our cities greener, we create spaces that reduce heat, encourage physical activity, and improve mental health.

And, strengthening healthcare systems to be resilient to all hazards can enhance our preparedness for pandemics and other health emergencies.

I would like to recall the pioneering role of Fiji in the launch on special initiatives to address climate change impact on Small Island Developing States at COP23.

The World Health Organization's COP26 Special Report on Climate Change and Health underscores the urgency of this issue. The report provides ten recommendations for governments on how to maximize the health benefits of tackling climate change and avoid the worst health impacts of the climate crisis.

These recommendations were developed in consultation with over 150 organizations and 400 experts and health professionals, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to climate action. An updated special report will be launched at COP29 in Baku.

Ladies and gentlemen, the fight against climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a public health imperative.

Understanding and addressing the health impacts of climate change, we can protect human lives, promote socioeconomic well-being, and drive equitable development.

Let us commit to a future where health and climate action go hand in hand, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come.