Editorial
Volume 3 Issue 5
Alfred A Osoro*
April 26, 2024
Abstract
There have been many global summits regarding climate change and global warming. Which started in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, then Montreal protocol, Kyoto protocol (Japan) and COP-21(Paris). The efforts advanced by world leaders in addressing the problem have been futile, hence, follow-up summits. Even the subsequent summit recommendations reached may not bear fruits but will likewise be mere rhetorics. The global dilemma shouldn’t be where it is if concerted and collective measure were implemented in a spirit of collective responsibility.
The major industrialised countries have significantly contributed to global warming with unprecedented magnitude. It is worth noting that the major polluters are; China, India, and United States of America including Brazil. These countries have many industries which emit their affluence to the atmosphere, inform of ‘black carbon dioxide and methane gases’. This has led to global warming and climate change. Melting of junks of ice in North Pole and Alaska increased the volume of water in seas and oceans of the world thus causing unprecedented floods. Again, the widespread use of fossil fuel, and episodes of wild fire has significantly damaged the environment and contributed to global warming and climate change.
The world’s energy systems are still dominated by fossil fuels. However, it is imperative that countries scale down the use of fossil fuel usage to save the planet earth. Again, carbon dioxide usage should be taken out of the power sector by phasing out coal facilities. There is a dire need to increase the uptake of renewable energy around the world. Limit global warming to 1.50C and reduce greenhouse emissions. The said countries have promised to reduce fossil fuel and industrial pollution by 25 to 30 percent by 2030. It is easier to say but are we likely to witness tangible action?
Global actors need to institute actions to limit climate change, and avoid unacceptable risks to global health. Fund initiatives for climate change and implementation public health measures to reduce number of deaths from cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases that are caused by air pollution, risks from extreme weather events, infectious disease, diminishing water supplies, and food insecurity. Public health specialists have a fundamental role in leading by example, primarily by: a) Raising awareness of the health effects of climate change and the potential health co-benefits of low carbon pathways. b) Contributing to the development and implementation of measures to limit climate change and protect people in workplaces, and communities; c) Working to minimize the environmental impacts on health systems, while improving health services.