India has refused to sign the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health: Checkout the reasons here

According to PTI, India has declined to sign the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health. The report also notes that India gave as its explanation the impracticality of reducing greenhouse gas use for cooling in the healthcare industry.

India has stated that it would be impossible to complete the task in a short amount of time. Despite India's support for the ministerial hosted by the COP28 Presidency, the World Health Organization, and the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Indian Health Ministry delegation did not participate in the Health Day event.

The declaration advocates for taking action on climate change to achieve significant, quick, and long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These reductions can be attained through just transitions, reduced air pollution, increased physical activity, and changes to sustainable, wholesome diets.

The declaration, released on Sunday in conjunction with the first-ever Health Day at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), expressed serious concerns about the detrimental effects of climate change on health.

124 countries have signed the declaration, except these two !

124 nations have signed the declaration as of right now, but the US and India—two of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases—are not on the list of signatories.

The declaration highlights the necessity of rapid and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to address the crucial connection between climate change and global health.

A problem surfaced, though, because the draft called for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from healthcare infrastructure for cooling purposes. According to sources, India finds this requirement challenging to meet.

According to a delegate from Kenya, India expressed concerns that reducing greenhouse gas emissions for cooling purposes in the health sector could make it more difficult for the country to meet the rising demand for medical services, especially in rural and underserved areas.

In its G20 declaration, India emphasized resilient health. Building a robust healthcare system, establishing a platform for expanding access to medical countermeasures, and establishing a platform for the exchange of digital goods between nations were India's three top health priorities during its G20 presidency.

Wide range of issues mentioned in COP28 Declaration

The importance of addressing the wide range of effects that climate change has on health is emphasized in the COP28 Declaration.

This includes taking into account issues related to mental health and psychosocial well-being, protecting livelihoods and cultures, preserving traditional medical knowledge, and managing migration and displacement brought on by climate change.

The declaration seeks to advance a comprehensive strategy for comprehending and reducing the various health risks that climate change poses.

COP 28 declaration aims at fighting inequality

The declaration's pledge to fight inequality both within and between nations is one of its main goals. It placed a strong emphasis on the pursuit of policies that will speed up the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3, which is all about well-being and good health.

The comprehensive approach aims to lower poverty and hunger, boost food security and nutrition, strengthen social protection systems, improve livelihoods and health, and guarantee that everyone enjoys access to clean energy, nutritious food, clean water, and hygiene.

The declaration recognizes the carbon footprint of health systems and calls for actions to cut emissions and waste in the health industry.

Also read: COP28 Summit: PM Modi declares India’s mission to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030

This include evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions of health systems, creating action plans, setting national decarbonization goals, and putting national health systems' supply chains and procurement policies into practice. Promoting sustainable practices in the health sector is the aim in order to support wider climate goals.

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