climate change on human health is already being felt around the world”/>
The impact of climate change on human health is already being felt in every corner of the world.
According to Day.Az, this was stated by the Minister of Health of Azerbaijan Teymur Musaev during a speech at a high-level roundtable on climate and health at COP29, Trend reports.
“These impacts threaten not only people’s well-being, but also the sustainability of health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Today we take an important step forward in our collective commitment to confronting these challenges. Today we will sign a Letter of Intent to create a Coalition for Presidential Continuity Baku COP on Climate and Health: This coalition, whose leadership, along with Azerbaijan, includes our valued partners - the UK, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Brazil, represents unprecedented international cooperation.
Together with the World Health Organization, we are committed to keeping climate change and health at the top of the global agenda. The new coalition will provide the continuity and platform needed to strengthen these efforts, maximize their impact and bring together stakeholders from governments, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector,” Musayev said.
On November 11, the opening of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) took place at the Baku Olympic Stadium.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of Parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
How can individuals contribute to mitigating the health effects of climate change in their daily lives?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Health Expert Teymur Musaev
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Teymur Musaev, Minister of Health of Azerbaijan. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the critical intersection of climate change and health. Your recent statement at COP29 highlighted the urgent impacts climate change is having on human health globally. Can you elaborate on some of the key health challenges you mentioned?
Teymur Musaev: Thank you for having me. The impacts of climate change on health are profound and multifaceted. We are already witnessing increases in heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues due to air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, these health risks are exacerbated due to weaker health systems, making it imperative that we address these challenges collectively.
Time.news Editor: That’s incredibly important to emphasize. In your speech, you mentioned the sustainability of health systems. How does climate change threaten these systems, especially in under-resourced regions?
Teymur Musaev: Climate change places immense pressure on health systems that are already stretched thin. For instance, natural disasters can overwhelm local healthcare infrastructures, and the financial burden of responding to climate-related health issues can divert resources away from routine care. Additionally, public health campaigns that focus on preventative measures become more challenging when there is a lack of investment and support.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a vicious cycle. During the roundtable discussion, you mentioned a collective commitment. Could you tell us more about the agreements or actions that were discussed and signed at COP29 to address these challenges?
Teymur Musaev: Absolutely. We signed a Letter of Intent that emphasizes cross-sector collaboration between health, environment, and policy sectors. It marks a commitment to integrating health considerations into climate action plans. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for shared research, capacity building, and resource allocation to strengthen health systems against climate impacts.
Time.news Editor: Collaboration is definitely key. What role do you believe international organizations and governments play in mitigating the health risks of climate change?
Teymur Musaev: International organizations are crucial for providing technical assistance, funding, and a platform for knowledge sharing. Governments need to prioritize climate health in their agendas and policies, ensuring that they address both immediate health needs and long-term sustainability. This effort requires collaboration not only on a national level but also on a global scale, as climate change knows no borders.
Time.news Editor: It seems clear that an integrated approach involving multiple stakeholders is vital. How can individuals also contribute to this cause in their daily lives to mitigate climate change and its health effects?
Teymur Musaev: Individuals play a significant role in combating climate change. Simple actions such as reducing waste, using sustainable transportation, and advocating for local health initiatives can make a difference. Additionally, staying informed and engaging in community dialogue about health and climate issues empowers people to influence change at a larger scale.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Minister Musaev. Your insights articulate the urgent need for action at all levels of society. As we move forward from COP29, what message do you want to leave with our readers regarding the relationship between climate change and health?
Teymur Musaev: My message is simple: we are all interconnected. The health of our planet directly impacts our health. It is essential that we all take responsibility—each action counts. Let’s work together to create a healthier future for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your time and for sharing your expertise, Minister Musaev. It’s been a fascinating discussion, and we look forward to seeing how collective actions will unfold in the future.
Teymur Musaev: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.