🌍 With our planet heating up faster than ever, global experts at the 5th World Health Forum in Beijing are calling on the Chinese mainland and the U.S. to step up climate and health leadership.
Why it matters: A recent WMO report warns there’s a 70% chance that the average global temperature between 2025 2029 will break the 1.5DC limit set by the Paris Agreement. 2024 already hit a record high—about 1.55DC above pre-industrial levels, fueling more heatwaves, smog, and shifting disease patterns. 🔥😷
Ban Ki-moon’s rallying cry: “I appeal to all leaders… to work together to address the most urgent, imminent threat to our humanity and the planet,” said former UN chief Ban Ki-moon, chair of the Boao Forum for Asia. He stressed that only solidarity between top emitters can keep Earth livable for future generations.
Chinese mainland’s climate-health playbook: Over the last decade, the Chinese mainland has woven climate adaptation and health resilience into national policy. Its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) pledges to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and hit carbon neutrality by 2060. By 2035, it aims for a climate-resilient society linking health, environment, and disaster systems.
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment reports the Chinese mainland now operates the world’s largest ecological monitoring network—mapping air, water, soil, and noise pollution across all major cities, river basins, and coastal seas. 📊🌱
Experts weigh in: “I’ve been really impressed by the rapid advance over the last decade,” said Patrick Kinney from Boston University. “The Chinese mainland’s evidence-driven approach is shaping strong policies.” Renowned climate scientist Chen Deliang of Tsinghua University echoed the call: “If the Chinese mainland and the U.S. lead by example, the world will follow.”
For young pros juggling side hustles and social impact projects, these shifts matter—cleaner air, fewer heat-related illnesses, and smarter disaster responses are the building blocks for a healthier future. 🚴♀️🍃
Reference(s):
Global experts urge China-U.S. leadership in climate, health actions
cgtn.com
