Under the weather

Assessing the climate resilience of our health and education systems

18 November 2024

6 min read

As the impacts of climate change begin to take their toll, can our health and education systems adapt to the pressure, or will they melt in the heat? Our COP29 team investigate below.

Impact on global health and development

Globally, climate change is estimated to undo the past 50 years of development in global health and poverty reduction, with an annual increase of 250,000 deaths globally due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress alone^[1]. The most vulnerable are children under the age of five, whose cognition and language development are impaired through factors like dehydration, environmental toxins, and malnutrition-induced stunting, which can reduce IQ scores by as much as 11 points^[2].

Globally, the projected cost of climate change-associated health damages will be $2-4 billion per year by 2030[3], but these damages will disproportionately impact developing countries with weak health and education infrastructure. Ultimately, building climate resilience will depend on a dual approach focused on health and education systems to manage, mitigate, and adapt to the implications of climate change.

The integration of health into national climate strategies

Health is mentioned as a priority in 91% of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), yet most countries have failed to identify specific measures to leverage health benefits in their climate strategies^[4]. NDCs are national climate plans highlighting climate actions, including adaptation and mitigation measures, that countries aim to implement in response to climate change.

These contributions are crucial as they set the framework for national climate policies and actions. A prime example of success is Finland’s National Energy and Climate Strategy, which aligns health and climate agendas through the prioritisation of air quality management, vector-borne disease surveillance, and heatwave preparedness for the protection of the most vulnerable communities.

Ireland published its first Health Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan in 2019, focusing on adaptive measures to combat increased UV exposure, air pollution, and severe weather events. The plan is part of Ireland's broader strategy to integrate health considerations into its climate policies, ensuring that Ireland’s health sector is prepared for the impacts of climate change.

The role of education in combating climate change

Education plays a crucial role in addressing climate change by equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and tackle this global challenge. Through comprehensive climate education, populations can learn about the science behind climate change, its impacts on the environment and society, and the importance of sustainable practices.

This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility and empowers communities to take action, from reducing carbon footprints to advocating for policy changes. Additionally, education enhances preparedness by teaching individuals and communities how to anticipate, respond to, and recover from climate-related events.

The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, the largest standalone public opinion survey on climate change, included over 73,000 people from 77 countries^[5]. The survey revealed that 80% of the people surveyed support increased climate change education in schools, with the highest support in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

A climate-resilient education system is crucial to driving behavioural changes and maintaining Ireland’s reputation as a key technology hub. In November 2023, the Minister for Education allocated €550,000, a threefold increase from the previous year to the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) which funds sustainability-related projects in schools across the country^[6].

Coupled with the addition of Climate Action and Sustainable Development to the Leaving Certificate curriculum^[7] and a litany of new climate change-related higher education courses, Ireland is growing a strong cohort of future climate leaders

Insights from COP29

The second week of COP29 commenced on 18 November with a thematic day on Human Capital, Health, Youth & Education. The day saw delegates urged by UN Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell to speed up negotiations by resolving less contentious issues quickly.

He emphasised the need for cooperation and warned against tactics that waste time and erode goodwill, calling for a focus on the overall goal and urging delegates to "cut the theatrics and get down to real business.”

The day marked the first ever ‘Human Development Day’ at COP, emphasising the growing appreciation for the intersection between climate change and Human Development, Health, Youth and Education.

A key highlight of the day was the launch of the “Baku Principles of Human Development for Climate Resilience”, which established a strategic global collaboration between Azerbaijan, UN agencies (including WHO, ILO, UNICEF and UNESCO), and several multilateral banks aimed at fostering technological and community-based innovations to address climate change impacts on human development.

The Baku COP Presidencies Continuity Coalition for Climate and Health was another key output of the day, which originated in the climate and health roundtable discussion and seeks to ensure health remains a central focus in climate action.

Conclusion of negotiations on Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement

Another key development of the day’s talks, albeit not only health and education focused was the conclusion of negotiations on Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement. Article 6.8 facilitates international cooperation through non-market approaches to implementing national climate plans, including mitigation and adaptation, as well as promoting sustainable development.

This decision is seen as a significant step in enhancing the capacity of countries to address climate change.

In summary

The discussions and actions that arose from the Human Development Day at COP29 highlighted the necessity of taking a holistic approach to climate action; one that integrates health, education, and social well-being. This will involve aligning health and climate agendas, fostering climate literacy, and empowering future generations to take action.

Ireland is making strides in this direction, enhancing its climate education efforts and integrating health considerations into its climate policies. By focusing on a holistic approach that addresses health, education, and human development, we can better prepare our children and youth to face the challenges of a changing climate.

For more insights and to explore how KPMG can support your business navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape and develop a meaningful sustainability journey, get in touch with our team below today.