Background

Climate change has a direct and indirect impact across the determinants of health, including healthcare delivery, air, water, and food systems. With increased morbidity, injuries, and deaths due to thermal stress, floods, storms, and pandemics - the direct impact of climate change is more evident than ever. Climate change also manifests a rise in air pollution, vector-borne diseases, water-based health issues and zoonotic diseases. Through fundamental changes to air, water supplies, and natural systems, the impact of climate change on health is also witnessed in the rise of food-related illnesses. It is equally critical for the health sector to mitigate its climate impact, which accounts for over five percent (5%) of all global emissions. Given current scenarios, health sector emissions will triple by 2050 without necessary mitigation measures. As one of the largest, fastest-growing segments of the world economy, the health sector must quickly decarbonize to transform and align development with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming. 

• Primus Partners, for this engagement, worked with a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) who participated at the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) including a co-convene Ministerial Roundtable on G20 Recommendations on Climate and Health (COP28) in December 2023.
• The said MDB co-convened events on climate change and health including a Ministerial Roundtable on G20 Recommendations on Climate and Health (COP28), launch of Climate and Health initiatives, launch of climate change action plan, side event on – Walking the Talk with Climate and Health Action and other events and bilateral meetings.
• These events aimed to address the urgent need to integrate climate and health considerations, evaluate progress, and drive impactful investments to mitigate the impact of climate change on health and well-being.
• These discussions reflected on the principles of the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration on climate and health and present the new Climate and Health Initiative launched by the Government of India, in conjunction with the MDB.
• It also explored opportunities for action and political visibility on climate and health over the next two years.

Our Approach

• Primus Partners supported the said MDB with Knowledge and Logistics support towards successful convening of the project.
• The team performed tasks related to the TOR and within the area of expertise, basis the client’s requirements.
• Prepared comprehensive logistics strategy regarding the launch of the Climate and Health Initiative and the Ministerial Roundtable at COP28.
• Coordinated with and provided technical assistance with COP organizers in the field of climate and health
• Conducted research and produced 2 policy papers on the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
• Prepared roadmap for launch and implementation of climate and health initiatives.

Benefits

• The Climate Health Initiative was conceptualised during the Indian G20 presidency, and it was launched at the COP 28 led by the Brazil G20 Presidency
• Primus supported the MDB right from conceptualisation to the launch of the CHI at the COP28
• Primus continues to support the MDB in its endeavours in the Climate Health space.