Recent air pollution levels in Delhi have triggered renewed discussions about India’s commitment to global climate health initiatives. The World Health Organization (WHO) has brought into light the urgent need for India to sign the climate health pledge established at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28). This pledge aims to address the health impacts of climate change while promoting resilient health systems.
Context of the Climate Health Pledge
The COP28 climate health pledge was launched to link climate action directly with public health. The initiative encourages nations to strengthen health systems against climate change impacts. Despite being one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, India has not yet signed this crucial pledge.
Current Air Quality Crisis
Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated , with alarming levels of PM2.5 fine particulate matter reported. This pollution poses severe health risks to the population. WHO officials stress that high pollution levels should compel India to join the global commitment to tackle these health impacts.
WHO’s Call for Action
Maria Neira, a senior WHO official, has reiterated the importance of India signing the pledge. She emphasised that India has the technological capabilities and a strong health community to champion this cause. The WHO is actively discussing the interplay between climate change and air pollution, and how these factors affect public health.
India’s Reluctance Explained
Indian officials have justified the decision not to sign the pledge by stating that the country is already collaborating on health issues with various nations and WHO. They view the pledge as a commitment made by a limited number of countries and not indicative of a broader global consensus.
Growing International Support
Despite India’s absence, support for the WHO-led climate health pledge is increasing. Over 123 countries, including major players like the United States and China, have signed the declaration. Reports indicate that this number has grown by 30-40% in the past year, reflecting a global commitment to addressing climate-related health issues.
Domestic Concerns and Criticism
Experts in India have expressed surprise at the government’s continued refusal to sign the pledge. Some speculate that internal political tensions and disagreements over data, particularly regarding COVID-19, may influence this decision. Critics argue that India’s leadership in climate action during its G20 presidency raised expectations for a more proactive stance on international health pledges.
Implications for Public Health
The ongoing air pollution crisis in Delhi marks the urgent need for coordinated action on climate and health. Failure to join the climate health pledge may hinder efforts to protect the health of India’s population amidst rising pollution levels and climate change challenges.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas like Delhi.
- What are the key factors contributing to India’s reluctance to sign international climate health pledges? Explain.
- Explain the significance of the COP28 climate health pledge for vulnerable nations. How does it address health and climate interlinkages?
- With suitable examples, comment on the role of international cooperation in tackling global health challenges related to climate change.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of air pollution on public health in urban areas like Delhi.
- High levels of PM2.5 in Delhi are linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and increased mortality rates.
- Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, face heightened health risks due to prolonged exposure to air pollutants.
- Air pollution exacerbates pre-existing health conditions, leading to increased hospital admissions and healthcare costs.
- Long-term exposure can result in chronic health issues, including lung cancer and neurological disorders.
- Public health initiatives are strained as resources are diverted to address pollution-related health crises.
2. What are the key factors contributing to India’s reluctance to sign international climate health pledges? Explain.
- India cites existing collaborations with other nations and WHO on health issues as sufficient without needing additional pledges.
- Concerns over perceived overestimations of health impacts by WHO, particularly regarding COVID-19 and air pollution deaths, influence the decision.
- Political dynamics and federalism tensions may complicate the decision-making process related to international commitments.
- India’s focus on national priorities and development goals may lead to hesitance in committing to international agreements.
- India’s leadership may prefer to assert its own approach to climate and health rather than aligning with external pledges.
3. Explain the significance of the COP28 climate health pledge for vulnerable nations. How does it address health and climate interlinkages?
- The COP28 pledge aims to strengthen health systems in vulnerable nations against climate-related health impacts.
- It promotes a framework for integrating climate action into public health policies, ensuring a holistic approach to health and environment.
- Vulnerable nations can benefit from shared resources, knowledge, and technology to combat the dual challenges of climate change and health crises.
- The initiative marks the urgent need for global solidarity in addressing health challenges exacerbated by climate change.
- By signing, nations demonstrate commitment to prioritizing health in the context of climate resilience, encouraging international cooperation.
4. With suitable examples, comment on the role of international cooperation in tackling global health challenges related to climate change.
- International cooperation is exemplified by the Paris Agreement, which unites countries to mitigate climate change impacts that affect health.
- Collaborative research efforts, like the Global Burden of Disease Study, provide data on health impacts, guiding policy decisions.
- Joint initiatives, such as the WHO’s Health and Climate Change initiative, facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among nations.
- Regional partnerships, like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), address transboundary pollution and health issues collectively.
- International funding mechanisms support vulnerable countries in building climate-resilient health systems, demonstrating global commitment to health equity.
