Context: Recently, India has refused to sign the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health.

• India stated that greenhouse gas reduction for cooling in the health sector could hinder its ability to meet the growing demands for medical services, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health

• Participants: The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health was signed by 123 countries, including major nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and the European Union.

• Notable Absences: India did not sign the COP28 declaration on climate and health.

• Incorporation of Health Considerations: Countries committed to incorporating health considerations within the context of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) processes.

• Integration of Health in Climate Planning: The declaration emphasized the integration of health considerations in designing nationally determined contributions, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategies, national adaptation plans, and adaptation communications.

• One Health Approach: Countries are encouraged to implement a One Health approach that considers the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Health Systems: The declaration calls for efforts to assess and address the greenhouse gas emissions of health systems, promoting sustainability in healthcare.

• Addressing Environmental and Climatic Factors: Countries are urged to address the linkages between environmental and climatic factors and antimicrobial resistance. 

• Additionally, the declaration emphasizes the importance of early detection of zoonotic spillovers for effective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

• Climate Finance: A $1 billion in financing for climate and health is to be provided by the Rockefeller Foundation, Green Climate Fund, Asian Development Bank, and Global Fund, among other funding agencies.

Are There Any Limitations Or Concerns Raised?

• When it comes to the limitations of the declaration, it is not a legally binding document and just a voluntary adoption for the countries. 

Why did India refuse to Sign the Declaration on climate and health at COP28?

• Practical Concerns: Curbing greenhouse gases for cooling in the health sector is impractical due to the need for cold storage rooms for vaccines and medicines.

• Fulfilling the declaration’s terms within a short timeframe is not feasible.

• Moral High Ground: India has historically contributed less than 4% of global emissions.

• As a developing nation, India has a right to use resources like coal for its development needs.

• Balancing Development and Transition: India faces the unique challenge of transitioning to renewable energy while meeting its development needs.

• Decarbonizing the health sector presents both challenges and economic opportunities.

• Nuances of Climate Agreements: Asian countries face dual challenges of extreme weather events and universal health coverage, making climate agreements complex.