PRIORITIZING HEALTH IS PRIORITIZING HUMANITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH IN A BURNING PLANET

An Overview of Climate Change and Health

Health is not merely the absence of disease, but also the state of good physical, mental, and social wellbeing [1]. While it may not be directly apparent, health is affected by social determinants, i.e., the conditions in which a person is born, grows, works, and ages. Our physical, environmental, social, and economic systems directly and indirectly influence health outcomes. However, the ongoing effects of climate change serves as a threat multiplier, severely impacting these social determinants and exacerbating pressing health outcomes. This makes climate change the biggest global health threat of the 21st century [2].

The Philippine Context

The Philippines, like other Global South countries, bears the brunt of climate change despite our insignificant greenhouse gas emissions. As of writing, we have just been hit by Typhoon Tino (International name Kalmaegi) and are already anticipating an incoming 1,400 kilometer-wide super typhoon Uwan (International name Fung-wong), both of which are only 5 days apart. Over the years, intense flooding, landslides, and storm surges from these typhoons have claimed the lives and futures of thousands of Filipinos. Even more are displaced to overcrowded evacuation sites, exposing them to poor living conditions, communicable diseases, and gender-based violence [3,4].

Apart from typhoons, record-breaking temperatures have been felt in several parts of the country in the past years. Butuan City, my hometown, posted a new all-time high temperature of 38.0°C and heat indices up to 47°C just last summer [5,6]. These weather extremes, combined with altered weather patterns, increase the risk and unpredictability of climate-sensitive diseases (e.g., dengue) and other health challenges (e.g., antimicrobial resistance) [7–9].

Beyond the physical effects of climate change, mental health outcomes such as trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression are also seen among Filipinos. Several disaster survivors have reported trauma and depression symptoms post-extreme weather events [10–12]. Emerging phenomena like climate anxiety are also starting to become concerns among my fellow Filipino youth, leading to hopelessness and negative effects in daily functioning [13–16].

We’ve Come a Long Way: Progress and Efforts

Thankfully, health is slowly integrated into climate action. At the national level, the Philippine Department of Health, through the Health and Climate Change Office, has recently released the Philippine Roadmap on Health and Climate Change 2025-2050. The document presents long-term national strategies and priorities in building a climate-resilient, sustainable, and low-carbon Philippine healthcare system [17]. This aligns with our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP), both of which include health as a priority for climate adaptation.

In the global arena, Health Pavilions have been established in COPs since 2021, providing a space to spotlight evidence and solutions to the health effects of climate change. The Dubai-hosted COP28, in particular, marked a watershed moment for climate and health with its first-ever Health Day and climate-health ministerial. Diverse stakeholders were convened to promote “health arguments for climate action” and highlight the needs, barriers, and pathways to building climate-resilient health systems [18].

This year, health is finally one of the key objectives of the COP30 Action Agenda. It also features the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP), a key framework that emphasizes health systems, adaptation, equity, climate justice, and social participation. It aims to mobilize countries towards building climate-resilient health systems worldwide and integrate climate considerations in health governance, financing, and infrastructure [19].

Still a Long Way to Go: A Call to Action

While a lot of work has been done, the harsh reality still hits: Global South health systems are unable to adapt as quickly as the climate is changing. Health workers are inadequately equipped to treat increasing climate-related health outcomes. Extreme weather events still cripple and overwhelm health service delivery points. Medical supplies and health finance continue to be insufficient. The climate crises will only widen these gaps. Current trends demand that adaptation is no longer an option, it is our inevitable future. Our health systems need to be prepared to withstand the effects of climate change; this is a just and equitable climate adaptation strategy that ultimately benefits all of humanity.

As a climate and health professional, I welcome the launch of the BHAP at COP30, further mainstreaming health considerations in global climate governance. However, its translation into real-world action for Global South communities will prove to be more important. It is with high hopes that I urge state actors and climate negotiators to recognize that the health of our planet is inextricably linked to our health as a people. What better way to see the urgency of climate action than through human health, something that is intrinsic and personal to 8 billion of us?

References:

1. World Health Organization. Constitution of the World Health Organization [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution

2. The Lancet. A Commission on climate change. The Lancet. 2009 May;373(9676):1659.

3. Parry J. Typhoon hits the Philippines, killing more than 280 people. BMJ. 2009 Oct 7;339:b4105.

4. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Philippines: Ten years after Haiyan | UNDRR [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.undrr.org/news/ten-years-after-haiyan-building-back-better-philippines

5. Rosario RD. Manila Bulletin. 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 16]. 47°C heat index recorded in Butuan City on May 15. Available from: http://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/47-c-heat-index-recorded-in-butuan-city-on-may-15

6. News SU GMA Integrated. GMA News Online. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 16]. PAGASA warns of danger level heat index in 22 areas on May 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/weather/947511/pagasa-danger-level-heat-index-22-areas-may-28-2025/story/

7. Paul Hernandez. GMA Regional TV. 2024 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Calauan under state of public health emergency due to dengue. Available from: https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/103646/calauan-under-state-of-public-health-emergency-due-to-dengue/story/

8. Ralph Harvey Rirao. Manila Standard. 2024 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Dengue cases rise by 81% in 2024. Available from: https://manilastandard.net/news/314527464/dengue-cases-rise-by-81-in-2024.html

9. Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation. ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation. 2020 [cited 2025 Nov 11]. Incorporating Climate Change Strategies into AMR Intervention and Implementation Research Projects: A Scoping Review. Available from: https://www.acri.ph/content/incorporating-climate-change-strategies-into-amr-i

10. Jhesset O. Enano. Six years after ‘Yolanda,’ mental scars linger [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1187193/6-years-after-yolanda-mental-scars-linger

11. Tito VR, Kazem H, Kadia SO, Paquito B. A systematic review of mental health and climate change in the Philippines. Asian J Psychiatry. 2024 Nov 1;101:104191.

12. Alibudbud RC. Climate change and mental health in the Philippines. BJPsych Int. 20(2):44–6.

13. Hickman C, Marks E, Pihkala P, Clayton S, Lewandowski RE, Mayall EE, et al. Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. Lancet Planet Health. 2021 Dec 1;5(12):e863–73.

14. Esteban KTL, Chaves PML, Milan VMB, Oamil EBM, Ocampo PB, Crystal Amiel M. Estrada P, et al. Climate Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms among Undergraduate Students of a College in a Higher Education Institution in Manila, Philippines. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2025 May 7 [cited 2025 Nov 10]; Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/11617

15. Reyes MES, Carmen BPB, Luminarias MEP, Mangulabnan SANB, Ogunbode CA. An investigation into the relationship between climate change anxiety and mental health among Gen Z Filipinos. Curr Psychol N B NJ. 2023;42(9):7448–56.

16. Aruta JJBR, Guinto RR. Climate anxiety in the Philippines: Current situation, potential pathways, and ways forward. J Clim Change Health. 2022 May 1;6:100138.

17. Department of Health. Philippine Health and Climate Change Roadmap 2025-2050.pdf [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m0op2D1lGpQS2uJO3S369m3Tck7H6MYM/view?usp=drive_link&usp=embed_facebook

18. World Health Organization. COP28 Health Day [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/12/03/default-calendar/cop28-health-day

19. World Health Organization. Health at COP30 [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/climate-change-and-health/advocacy-partnerships/talks/health-at-cop30