46.3 million healthcare professionals from all over the world signed the letter written to Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber for COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Numerous medical organizations undertook this endeavor in the hopes of a healthier future.
This letter addresses the urgent need to eradicate the root cause of the climate crisis caused by the continued extraction and use of fossil fuels.
Health professionals from across the world demand to end the production of fossil fuels in the upcoming Annual Climate Change Conference to safeguard the well-being of the people. This conference will take place from November 30 to December 12, with an entire day dedicated solely to discussing health on December 3.
The burning of fossil fuels causes almost 7 million premature deaths annually. This makes the economy cost more than $8.1 trillion which is equivalent to 6.1% of global GDP. Also, improving the air quality by changing the need for clean energy sources will greatly reduce the incidence of various diseases like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
Dr. Naveen Thacker, President of the International Paediatric Association, emphasizes the importance of phasing out fossil fuels, stating that it is the definitive path to health for all.
The chairman of the Institute of Chest Surgery, Dr. Arvind Kumar, pointed out the need to achieve genuine climate progress by investing in renewable energy.
The Signatories of this letter are also from the World Medical Association, Global Journal of Medicine, British Medical Journal, etc.
In their letter, they mentioned that COP28 should acknowledge the impact of fossil fuels on climate change and that no representatives from the Fossil Fuel Industries should participate in COP28 as they want this conference to be free from industry interests and misinformation.
Fossil fuels should be minimized and replaced due to their detrimental effects on public health. It is crucial to address this issue seriously and seek better energy solutions.
(Input from various media sources.)
(Rehash/Rohini Devi)
