On September 25, 2023, leaders gathered at the Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions in New York City amid United Nations discussions. Urging action against the intertwined crises of climate change and health, key figures highlighted the importance of solidarity and innovative financing, underscoring the empowerment of women and Indigenous communities in the pursuit of resilience against climate impacts.
The second annual Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions convened global leaders, activists, health experts, and business innovators on September 25, 2023, in New York City, amidst the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week. The summit aimed to tackle the urgent interconnections between climate change and health financing, emphasizing the necessity for safeguarding human health and enhancing climate resilience, especially in vulnerable regions. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados delivered a compelling keynote address underscoring the climate crisis’s immediate effects on global health, particularly for small island nations that require robust climate resilience. She articulated the need for global solidarity to combat the devastating consequences of climate change on the most disadvantaged populations. President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi reiterated these concerns, highlighting the existential threats posed by climate-related disasters to countries already struggling with poverty and urged for immediate support. Among the notable contributions, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, calling for an end to the fossil fuel era in favor of renewable energy transitions. His influential statement, “Let’s not stop here: much more can and must be done…” galvanized momentum towards critical climate action. The next day, Micronesia joined the expanding coalition supporting the treaty. The role of women in economic empowerment was highlighted in a panel discussion led by figures such as Lydia Charles from Her Initiative, emphasizing the necessity of financial support for women, particularly in Africa, where their contributions to economic productivity remain underfunded. “Show women the money!” – Lydia Charles epitomized the urgent need for change. Indigenous leaders, including Dr. Victor A. Lopez-Carmen, brought attention to their essential role in environmental stewardship, advocating for their involvement in climate discussions. Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, emphasized the imperative of vaccine accessibility as a response to climate change-induced health threats, while Peter Sands of the Global Fund warned that without immediate action, previous health advancements risk being reversed. Sands stated, “It is a health and equity crisis,” highlighting that the most vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by climate change. The summit also explored innovative financial strategies, including Global Solidarity Levies aimed at taxing high-polluting industries to provide predictable funding for climate initiatives. A panel moderated by UN Goodwill Ambassador Sabrina Dhowre Elba focused on the Commonwealth’s collective engagement in addressing climate crises. The Duchess of York acknowledged the responsibility of current generations to foster youth leadership by empowering the upcoming generations to effectuate meaningful change. In conclusion, the Global Citizen NOW Sessions delineated a pressing need for collaborative, cross-sector efforts to confront the balancing act of climate resilience and health advocacy. The dialogues exemplified the critical role of women and Indigenous communities, redoubling calls for urgent, unified action toward sustainable future solutions.
The Global Citizen NOW: Health and Climate Financing Sessions represent a pivotal moment in addressing the interlinked challenges posed by climate change and health financing. The spate of global climate-related crises has sparked an urgent need for action, particularly within vulnerable nations, as they grapple with the dire consequences of climate impacts on public health. This summit surfaced crucial discussions among policymakers, activists, and business leaders, catalyzing collaborative approaches and innovative solutions that seek to converge public health objectives with climate action.
The Global Citizen NOW Sessions elucidated that fortifying health systems while combating climate change is not only urgent but achievable through global cooperation. The summit called for strategic financial investments, the empowerment of women and Indigenous communities, and the adoption of bold climate policies, exemplified by the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Moving forward, it is essential that momentum is maintained to safeguard our planet and promote the health and resilience of future generations.
Original Source: www.globalcitizen.org
