Climate crisis worsens global divisions, WHO Chief warns at International Court
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World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that the ongoing climate crisis is deepening divisions and polarisation across the globe.
Sharing his insights on X (formerly Twitter) after testifying at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Ghebreyesus highlighted the urgent need for peace, justice, and collaboration to combat the crisis effectively.
"The ClimateCrisis threatens to only exploit and exacerbate division and polarisation. It was an honour to testify about the health impacts of climate change at the ICJ. Our world needs peace, justice, and collaboration now more than ever," Ghebreyesus stated.
The WHO has forecasted devastating health consequences of climate change, estimating an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Direct damage to health systems could cost between $2-4 billion per year by 2030, with developing nations, often equipped with weaker health infrastructure, being the most vulnerable without external support.
Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel extraction and burning are identified by WHO as major contributors to both climate change and air pollution. The organization underscores the need for global action to reduce these emissions to safeguard public health.
India continues to emphasize its commitment to addressing climate change. Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav recently outlined India’s efforts to combat land degradation and desertification at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh.
The minister highlighted India's transformative journey, from recognizing land degradation as a global challenge at CoP5 to championing community-driven land restoration initiatives at CoP10 and CoP14. He reaffirmed India's pledge to restore degraded lands under the global commitment established at CoP15.
"Our journey represents a transformative narrative of commitment, innovation, and sustainable development," Yadav stated, emphasizing India's role as a key partner in global climate initiatives.