UNGA80 Highlights Urgent Links Between Climate and Health

Dr Gitinji Gitahi, Amref Group CEO speaking at an event at UNGA80.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN’s body on climate science, has repeatedly and steadily reported on global warming and its visible impacts on climate.

IPCC Assessment Reports, particularly the Sixth Assessment chapter on health and well-being (AR6, 2021–2022), highlight an increased burden of climate-sensitive diseases, rising demand for emergency and preventive care, and disruptions to health systems as direct impacts of climate change on primary health care.

On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, during NY Climate Week, the health sector highlighted these climate-health realities for global leaders.

As the UN Secretary-General convened over 120 heads of state and ministers at the UN Climate Summit, where over 100 countries pledged to update their national climate commitments ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the health sector emphasized the importance of integrating health into climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement.

However, the mood was dampened by the absence of the United States, a major emitter. President Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism about climate change, referred to it as “the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world.”

“Such statements are scientifically false and morally indefensible. For millions of Africans, climate change is a daily reality. Mocking the climate emergency undermines global solidarity urgently needed to save lives and livelihoods,” said Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.

Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, echoed the urgency, noting that communities across Africa experience climate impacts daily and do not need scientific proof. He emphasized integrating health into NDCs, prioritizing climate-health financing, and ensuring equity in negotiations and action.

“It is unfortunate that countries contributing only 4 percent of global emissions are asked to do more,” Gitahi said. “Communities most affected—women, children, youth, pastoralists, and informal settlement residents—require support to adapt and are best positioned to shape solutions. We cannot afford to dwell solely on climate science; action is needed now.”

Multilateralism faces serious pressure, and President Trump’s remarks exemplify the mistrust in global processes.

“We want to raise ambition because we are in a crisis. Leaders need to be in crisis mode about the science guiding health and climate, yet they are ignoring it,” said Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland.

On the sidelines of UNGA80, stakeholders highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in climate action. “Women and girls often face higher risks from climate change but remain on the sidelines in discussions and policy decisions,” said Desta Lakew, Amref Health Africa Director for Partnerships and External Affairs.

Despite the challenges, the health sector remains determined to ensure climate and health are prioritized. Brazil, as COP30 Presidency Designate, supports the agenda through the Belem Climate and Health Action Plan, outlining adaptation solutions, health surveillance, technological innovation, and multi-sectoral policies to build climate-resilient health systems.

“Don’t tell me there’s no hope; together we stand, divided we fall,” said Mariângela Batista Galvão Simão, Secretary of Health and Environmental Surveillance at Brazil’s Ministry of Health. “The Belem Climate and Health Action Plan brings health and climate agendas together, starting with surveillance and monitoring.”

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, added: “For every hungry family and malnourished child, global climate action remains painfully inadequate. This inequity is a moral failure and a direct threat to global security and stability.”

As the world heads to COP30, Africa is calling for the inclusion of health in NDCs, climate-resilient primary health care financing, and community-centered solutions with women and youth leading.