WHO Chief Tedros Warns Climate Crisis Fuels Division, Calls For Unity
NEW DELHI, (ANI) – World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that the climate crisis threatens to deepen global divisions and polarization. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Tedros reflected on his testimony at the International Court of Justice about the health impacts of climate change.
“We live in a time of geopolitical turbulence. The #ClimateCrisis threatens to exploit and exacerbate division and polarization. It was an honor and an inspiration to testify about the impact of the climate crisis on health at the International Court of Justice, Peace Palace in The Hague, as peace, justice, and collaboration are what our world needs more than ever,” he wrote.
Tedros’ concerns are backed by alarming WHO statistics. Climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths annually between 2030 and 2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. The estimated economic toll on health alone ranges from $2 to $4 billion annually by 2030. Developing nations with fragile health infrastructure are particularly vulnerable without external support to prepare and respond.
WHO also highlights the role of greenhouse gas emissions, largely from burning fossil fuels, as major contributors to both climate change and air pollution.
India’s Efforts
India has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing climate change, with Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav outlining the country’s efforts during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience at CoP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Our journey represents a transformative narration of commitment, innovation, and sustainable development,” Yadav said. He emphasized India’s milestones, from highlighting land degradation as a critical issue at CoP5 to advocating community-driven land restoration strategies at CoP10 and recognizing land restoration as a key climate change strategy at CoP14.
India’s initiatives align with the global commitment made at CoP15 to restore degraded lands and address desertification, showcasing its leadership in sustainable environmental practices.
