Strengthening COP Meetings through Cross-Sectoral Thematic Convergence and Highlighting Health in COPs

Abstract

Background: The spread of extreme climate events driven by the trajectory toward a 2.8°C increase has worsened health outcomes, a subject that has gained the attention of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in the past decade. In this commentary, the authors highlight significant aspects of COPs (Conferences of the Parties) and what should be pursued by the health community.

Methods: Based on a critical review of published reports, policy documents, gray literature, and an examination of pivotal events and outcomes from recent COPs, emerging trends in COP negotiations and potential areas for prioritized action in future iterations have been identified. Results: The initiatives, platforms, health sector measurements, and climate-related academic education and research presented at COP meetings need to place greater emphasis on investment in climate-health projects to encourage further contributions from the health community.

Conclusion: Countries’ contributions and commitments to mitigating the health impacts of climate change can be assessed by evaluating their investments in evidence-based climate actions within health systems and by demonstrating the resulting outcomes at upcoming COP meetings. Furthermore, COP meetings should prioritize fostering intersectoral collaboration to mobilize funding for scientific research and the scaling of applicable and accessible platforms.