Date & Time: September 25, 2024, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Location: Macaulay Honors College Lecture Hall, 35 W 67th St, New York, NY 10023
This panel convened policymakers, funders, and health and climate practitioners to explore the critical intersections between climate change and health. Through informed discussions and collaborative dialogue, participants delved into the multifaceted impacts of climate change on health systems, communities, and vulnerable populations across the world. The session aimed to generate actionable solutions that integrate climate resilience into healthcare policies and funding strategies, ultimately fostering climate-smart healthcare solutions that enhance the well-being and resilience of global communities.
Featured Speakers: Vin Gupta, Medical Analyst, NBC News and MSNBC; Ndidi Nwuneli, President/CEO, the ONE Campaign; Manja Kargbo, Team Lead, Mayor’s Delivery Unit (City of Freetown), 2024 Yale Emerging Climate Leader Fellow; and Dr. Stellah Bosire, Founding Executive Director, Africa Center for Health Systems and Gender Justice
Summary: The discussion centered on the urgent need for inclusive climate policies that account for the specific impacts on women, youth, and marginalized groups. Key issues raised included the lack of disaggregated data on climate impacts, particularly in areas such as maternal health and disease outbreaks, as well as the critical need for inter-ministerial collaboration. Participants stressed that a significant amount of climate finance should be allocated specifically to women and girls, integrating gender equity into national climate adaptation strategies. The conversation also spotlighted the role of cities like Freetown in leading climate action and emphasized the importance of improved data collection and innovative solutions. The session closed with a strong call for sustained engagement and cross-sector collaboration to tackle the growing challenges of climate and health.