A Glimpse Into Our Climate Future

In 2035, a catastrophic heatwave engulfed Franlin, a small African village. On the first day, a homeless man fell victim to the unrelenting heat. By the second day, with temperatures soaring to a deadly 52°C, elderly residents succumbed, and several pregnant women suffered stillbirths. By the fourth day, gentle rain finally brought relief, but it was too late for most. Nearly the entire population had perished.

Only three survivors remained: a young boy named George and two health workers. George's life was spared because one of the workers, Dr Greg, had taken the simple yet life-saving step of painting his family's roof white. This small but effective measure reflected the sun's heat, providing critical protection.

As George surveyed the wreckage of his community, he turned to Dr Greg, his voice trembling with disbelief and asked a simple, yet heartbreaking, question:

“How did you let this happen? Wasn't it your job to stop this?”

Dr Greg explained, “The reason you're alive is because I painted your roof white. But two years ago, I wrote a proposal to the Green Climate Fund, asking for resources to extend this measure across the village. For two years, they've been deliberating on whether it was a sensible idea. In 14 years, they've funded only two health projects, and even then, they provide only half the promised funding.”

George, still grappling with the loss, turned to the second health worker, a public health doctor. “Why didn't you do more? Isn't this your responsibility?” he asked.

The doctor's response reflected the fragmented approach of the health sector over the past few decades. “We've focused on reducing emissions from healthcare facilities and promoting co-benefits. But emissions not directly linked to healthcare have been left to other sectors—finance, energy, and something called a COP.”

George, frustrated and confused, said, “I don't understand. In school, I learned that the health sector tackled all harmful substances—in the air, water, and even in roofs—whether they were infectious or chemical. Haven't you faced challenges like this before and succeeded?”

This speculative yet poignant story was shared by Professor Matthew Chersich during his keynote at the 2024 CHAC conference. It served as both a metaphor and a rallying cry for the health sector to step up its role in combating climate change. Chersich's message was clear: the health sector has faced monumental challenges in the past and now must rise again to confront the defining crisis of our time.

Lessons from The Past: A Framework For Action

Chersich's keynote wasn't just a critique; it was a call to action, grounded in the health sector's history of overcoming formidable challenges. He drew parallels between the climate crisis and earlier public health battles, citing successful outcomes against Big Tobacco, asbestos, and HIV/AIDS as evidence of how the health sector can lead and what can be achieved with focus and determination.

“We've faced sluggish starts before,” he said, “but once focused, the health sector has always delivered.”

Chersich challenged his audience with a powerful question: “Why do we feel powerless now?” He argued for a proactive, prevention-centred approach, rather than slow adaptation, to address climate change effectively.

“We didn't tackle CFCs by handing out suntan lotion. We won't solve the climate crisis through adaptation alone,” he stated. “We need prevention, policy, and education.”

The Unequal Burden Of Climate Change

Africa bears the heaviest burden of climate change's effects despite being the least responsible for global emissions. Limited resources and underrepresentation in international climate forums exacerbate the continent's vulnerability.

Chersich criticised systemic delays, such as those of the Green Climate Fund, which disproportionately harm African populations. “The health sector must step up, not only to lead mitigation efforts but also to advocate for those most affected by these crises.”

He likened this struggle to past injustices, such as colonialism and apartheid, where those with the least power suffered the greatest harm. Yet, he remained resolute: “We've overcome such challenges before.”

Mobilising The Health Sector For Change

To revitalise the health sector's role in climate action, Chersich proposed five transformative strategies:

• Behaviour Change Campaigns: Link high-emission activities to health outcomes, framing reduced meat consumption or avoiding excessive travel as ways to prevent heatstroke or malaria.
• Health-Focused Legislation: Enact treaties similar to the Montreal Protocol to regulate emissions, bypassing bureaucratic gridlocks in climate summits.
• Education and Warning Labels: Raise public awareness through impactful labels and campaigns, akin to anti-smoking initiatives, to highlight the health risks of emissions.
• Targeted Health Funding: Establish a dedicated health fund, similar to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria, to finance climate-health initiatives.
• Equitable Representation: Ensure African voices and local expertise inform global climate policies, ensuring they address the unique challenges faced by the continent.

Prevention And Surveillance: Pillars Of Public Health

Prevention, Chersich emphasised, is the foundation of public health success. Just as past campaigns linked CFCs to skin cancer and tobacco smoke to lung disease, today's health sector must connect emissions to health crises. Surveillance is equally crucial. Indicators such as preterm births during heatwaves can guide resource allocation, advocacy, and policy development, ensuring timely support for vulnerable populations.

A Call To Action For The Health Sector

Chersich concluded his address with a powerful call to action: “When we first put on this coat, we promised to protect lives. That's what we must do now.”

George's story, though fictional, is a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. But it is also a source of hope. The health sector has the tools, knowledge, and influence to lead the fight against climate change. By mobilising its resources, expertise, and credibility, the health sector has the power to prevent future tragedies. The question is whether it will act before more lives are lost.