On November 30th, 2023, Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) Planetary Health Team endorsed “For the Health of People and Planet: Priorities for a Healthy COP28” ahead of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

The first ever Health Day due to take place at COP28 on 3rd December, including the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration on Climate and Health. This document urges ambitious decision-making and action across negotiations to protect and promote health. Furthermore, this document was drafted by the Climate x Health Forum, co-convened by The Wellcome Trust, The Rockefeller Fund, The Global Climate and Health Alliance, and Amref Health Africa, outlining seven priorities for COP28.

A full phase-out of fossil fuels, included as one of the priorities, follows the calls for “Global Health and Medical Community Unite To Demand End Fossil Fuel Dependency at COP28” that the HGPI Planetary Health Team announced signing on November 1, 2023. The documents also emphasizes the phase-out of fossil fuel use and its impact on health.

1. A full phase-out of fossil fuels and commitment to no new fossil fuel infrastructure to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, preventing the acceleration of climate-induced threats to human health and wellbeing. Replacement of fossil fuel power by a just transition to renewable energy, which is fair, fast, full, and funded, is a public health imperative
2. Adaptation planning and monitoring that centers on health and wellbeing outcomes
3. A Loss and Damage Fund that is fit for purpose, and technical assistance by the Santiago Network to better quantify health losses and damages
4. Rapidly scaled climate finance, strategically allocated for health outcomes
5. A Global Stocktake decision that protects and promotes health and wellbeing
6. Food and agriculture systems which promote nutrition security, including sustainable healthy diets
7. Climate action to protect most affected and vulnerable population groups and communities, guided by their meaningful engagement and empowerment

The Planetary Health Team also provided feedback in finalizing the content of this letter.

To read the original open letter, please click here.

Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) has prepared a Japanese translation of this document.