26
Jan

Climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity and the demographic transition. Its effects are already weakening every core aspect of public health, while increasing geopolitical tensions. Rising global temperatures and extreme weather events (such as heat waves, floods, storms) are altering the distribution of vector-borne diseases (malaria, dengue) and threatening food and water security. These impacts do not respect national borders or demographics and disproportionately affect the most marginalized communities, those who have contributed least to the problem. Existing vulnerabilities due to poverty, gender, and displacement are greatly intensified by climate change, resulting in devastating health outcomes. Competition over scarce resources (e.g., water, arable land) and health security measures (e.g., vaccine nationalism during the COVID-19 pandemic) can heighten geopolitical tensions, hindering a coordinated response.

Additionally, the global health governance structure is currently insufficient to manage these cascading, transboundary risks. Key challenges include fragmented health systems with isolated early warning alert systems, missing crucial opportunities for planning and preparedness, and inadequate adaptation policies, especially since many national health strategies are not integrated with climate adaptation. As a result, health systems remain vulnerable to the climate crisis and related disasters. By linking technical solutions with effective governance and demographic shift, we can protect health, promote equity, and create a more stable and collaborative geopolitical future. We are seeking partners to help us realize this important vision to life.

This concept note suggests a comprehensive solution to share knowledge to develop resilient health systems that adapt to climate change, promote fairness, and are reinforced through strategic international cooperation. This proposed side event provides a proactive, integrated, and cooperative framework to not only withstand these challenges but also to develop stronger, more equitable, and sustainable health systems. The initiative will focus on three interconnected pillars: (1) Policy governance and planning: National Health Adaptation Plans, (2) Innovative solutions related to surveillance, technology, infrastructures, and supply chain, and (3) Targeted protection for marginalized populations, including climate refugees. By combining these elements into a unified framework, the side event aims to protect public health, reduce vulnerability, and transform health security into a platform to enhance governance during geopolitical dynamics.