OPINION: Climate Change and the Right to Health

The intertwined issues of climate change and public health have become increasingly apparent in the current global landscape.

Climate change is not merely an environmental concern but a critical determinant of public health, impacting individuals, communities, and entire nations.

As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, it is imperative to recognise its profound implications for the fundamental human right to health.

The consequences of a warming planet are multidimensional, affecting the foundations of good health: clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply, and safe shelter.

As the climate crisis intensifies, so do the challenges of ensuring these essential health ingredients for all.

Clean Air

One of the most immediate and visible impacts of climate change is the deterioration of air quality.

Rising temperatures contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, releasing harmful particulate matter and pollutants into the air.

Exposure to these air pollutants can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the burning of fossil fuels is simultaneously driving the climate crisis and taking away the right to breathe clean air, with indoor and outdoor air pollution claiming a life every 5 seconds.

Moreover, air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Inadequate access to clean air exacerbates health disparities, widening the gap between those who can afford air purifiers and medical care and those who cannot.

Safe Drinking Water

Climate change disrupts water cycles, leading to more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and waterborne diseases.

Contaminated water sources and inadequate sanitation facilities pose significant risks to public health, causing diarrheal diseases, cholera, and other water-related illnesses.

Communities dependent on freshwater resources for drinking, agriculture, and livelihoods are particularly exposed.

In regions grappling with water scarcity, climate change worsens competition for limited water supplies, increasing the risk of conflict and displacement.

Nutritious Food Supply

The agricultural sector is profoundly impacted by climate change, with shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns affecting crop yields and food production.

Climate variability leads to crop failures, soil degradation, and reduced agricultural productivity, compromising food security and nutrition.

As staple crops become less abundant and more expensive, malnutrition rates will likely rise, particularly among children and impoverished communities.

Moreover, the nutritional quality of food may decline due to changes in plant composition and reduced availability of essential micronutrients, further undermining public health.

Safe Shelter

Extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, threaten human settlements and infrastructure.

Hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can destroy homes, displacement of populations, and loss of life.

Inadequate housing and shelter expose individuals to the risks, heat-related illnesses, injuries, and mental health issues.

Vulnerable populations, including people without homes and those living in informal settlements, are disproportionately affected, lacking the resources and infrastructure to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters.

A Call to Advocacy

Recognising the intrinsic link between climate change and the right to health is paramount for crafting effective policy responses.

As enshrined in the Kenya Constitution and numerous international human rights instruments, the right to health obligates States to ensure access to timely, affordable, and quality healthcare for all individuals without discrimination.

However, fulfilling this right necessitates addressing the underlying determinants of health, including environmental factors such as climate change.

Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires intensive efforts at the global, national, and community levels.

Policy-makers, healthcare professionals, and civil society must collaborate to develop and implement strategies prioritising climate resilience and health equity.

Investing in renewable energy sources, improving air quality standards, enhancing water infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are essential steps towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on health.

Furthermore, strengthening healthcare systems, expanding access to healthcare services, and integrating climate change adaptation measures into public health policies are crucial for building resilient and adaptive communities.

Advocacy is pivotal in driving change and mobilising resources to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and global health.

By raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and advocating for policy reforms, we can collectively work towards a sustainable future where everyone has the right to clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food, and safe shelter.

In conclusion, the climate crisis threatens the essential ingredients of good health, posing unprecedented challenges to global health security and equity. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the right to health for present and future generations.

Together, we must champion climate action as a fundamental pillar of public health and advocate for a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

The author, Geoffrey Odhiambo is a lawyer and a Programme Officer at ICJ Kenya.