Julia Gillard Instagram – Delivering the opening speech for the first Health Day at #COP28 was a privilege.
It was inspiring to see @wellcometrust and the wider climate and health community come together to focus on the health consequences of climate change.
We have much work still to do.
Climate change is taking a devastating toll on our health – from the 70,000 excess deaths caused by extreme heat to the increased spread of infectious disease. The cost of inaction will be substantial. We will pay it in lives and in health impacts.
Health Day concluded with a great success – over 125 countries signed the first ever COP declaration on climate and health. This declaration is just the start.
Phasing out fossil fuels is an intervention we must pursue to protect public health.
Global leaders must be bold. Leadership isn’t about settling for what’s possible, it’s about making possible what needs to happen. If we fail to act, we are endangering lives.
Science must shape our response to this crisis.
Wellcome is planning to spend £100mn this year alone on climate and health research, to inform policy, protect health and spur action.
I am grateful to have been part of Health Day, and to see the global community unite to prioritise human health.
We must not be complacent, and instead build on the momentum from #COP28.
The world is watching – and a healthier future is within our reach. | Posted on 08/Dec/2023 11:00:52
