Panel discussions on the impact of climate change on health were held within the framework of COP29, Report informs.
Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, speaking at the event, emphasized that the Conference of the Parties will contribute to creating climate solidarity. Babayev also called on all the countries participating in COP29 to strengthen their efforts to eliminate the negative effects of climate change.
In turn, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that COP29 is an important opportunity for the global community to come together and find practical solutions.
Speaking at the panel session, Azerbaijan's Minister of Health Teymur Musayev emphasized that the impact of climate change on citizens' health and countries' economies is multifaceted and increasingly concerning.
According to the minister, the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts has increased over recent decades: "About one-third of heat-related deaths are already linked to climate change. At the same time, the number of extreme weather disasters stemming from climate change has increased fivefold in the last 50 years."
Noting that extreme weather events create ideal conditions for the spread of infectious diseases, the minister said: "The adoption of national policies that minimize climate change risks and potential impacts can help limit effects on health and their economic consequences."
"In the economic development course set by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev regarding liberated Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions, transforming these territories into a green energy zone is considered one of the main directions. The goal is to provide these areas with environmentally clean green energy using high-potential renewable energy and to develop proposals by exploring the prospects for applying green technologies," Azerbaijan's Health Minister concluded.
Later, a new co-chair of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) was elected.
By unanimous decision, Azerbaijan was declared ATACH co-chair for 2024-2026.
Speaking at the event, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Azerbaijan's Health Minister Teymur Musayev noted that Azerbaijan joins ATACH as COP29 chair and will serve as the Alliance's co-organizer for 2024-2026.
Building on global climate and health initiatives from COP26 health agenda, COP27, COP28, COP29, and the 77th World Health Assembly, ATACH presents an important global cooperation mechanism to strengthen climate change and health actions. The Alliance also aims to build climate-resilient and low-carbon healthcare systems.
By joining ATACH, the Republic of Azerbaijan has committed to taking steps toward a climate-resilient healthcare system that will be crucial for protecting and promoting public health in changing climate conditions.
As co-organizers, the World Health Organization and the Republic of Azerbaijan are committed to working with past and future COP presidents and all ATACH members to create global momentum for climate and health action.