AMTV/Geneva, Nov 27 – In the run-up to COP28, the World Health Organization (WHO) together with the global health community, is raising its voice to ensure that the impact of climate change on health takes centre stage in the negotiations. It is imperative to broaden the focus to human health in global discussions, leaving no room for excuses, and compelling negotiators to recognize that they bear the responsibility for the well-being of our most invaluable asset: the health of populations worldwide.
“Prioritizing health is not just a choice; it is the foundation of resilient societies,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Leaders must deliver in Dubai, providing the strong health outcomes their peoples expect and their economies urgently need. We must change the conversation and demonstrate the massive benefits of bolder climate action on our health and well-being.”
The extreme weather events around the world in recent months offer a terrifying glimpse of what lies ahead in a rapidly heating world. The IPCC report says about 3.5 billion people – nearly half of humanity – live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change. Heat-related deaths among those aged over 65 years have risen by 70% worldwide in two decades, according to WHO’s figures. Only a dramatic and dedicated effort to limit warming to 1.5 °C will prevent a future much worse than what we see now.
Increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heatwaves, will also strain healthcare infrastructure. Last year’s floods in Pakistan displaced 8 million people and affected 33 million overall. Forecasts from the World Bank indicate that without bold and immediate action, climate change could displace approximately 216 million people by 2050.
As the climate crisis jeopardizes lives and livelihoods, global food systems struggle to sustain a growing population, and compromised water sources compound the challenges. In parallel, climate change is catalyzing a surge in infectious diseases like dengue and cholera, endangering millions. Now is the time for decisive and collaborative action to mitigate the health impacts of the climate crisis and build a sustainable future for all.
As climate change poses an unprecedented
challenge to health systems worldwide, it is also imperative that we strengthen our systems to be resilient, low carbon and sustainable. Failure to act swiftly will render health systems worldwide vulnerable to the overwhelming impacts of climate change.
Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a present danger affecting our health on multiple fronts. The health community asserts that climate change is already affecting our health, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases and vector-borne illnesses. There is an urgent need for negotiators to comprehend that climate change is a direct threat to global health that can no longer be ignored or downplayed.
Adapting our health systems means upgrading key interventions such as vector control, epidemiological surveillance, and access to safe water and sanitation. Additionally, the training of health staff is crucial, and support is needed to align health systems with the guidance included in the WHO’s operational framework for building climate resilient and low carbon health systems.
To reduce the negative impact on health, the health community stresses the importance of reducing and stopping emissions. According to WHO, 7 million premature deaths annually are attributed to air pollution. Urgent mitigation measures, including transitioning to clean energy sources, are necessary to protect human health and create sustainable outcomes.
The health community recognizes the role health systems play in contributing to emissions, and advocates for greening the health sector. This involves decarbonizing health systems, digitalizing medicine and implementing sustainable practices in hospitals and healthcare facilities to significantly reduce the 5% global emissions attributed to the health sector.
Over 1 billion people worldwide are served by health-care facilities with unreliable electricity or no electricity at all. For low-income countries lacking access to electricity, the health community calls for an acceleration of access to clean energy. WHO is working with partners to accelerate electrification of health-care facilities through renewable energies and to harmonize medical supplies and lead a transformative change towards cleaner energy sources, better services and reduced reliance on diesel and gas.
Recognizing the financial disparity in health systems
Acknowledging the financial gap in health systems, the health community calls for increased financing from new sources. The plea is to divest from and end subsidies for fossil fuels, and to mobilize new funds to support health systems in coping with climate change.
The WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) is dedicated to realizing the goals set at COP26 by leveraging the collective influence of WHO Member States and stakeholders to advance climate-resilient health systems. ATACH also focuses on identifying financing needs.
With the health sector grappling with
unprecedented challenges, it is imperative to address the glaring disparity in financial support. Currently, the sector receives a mere 0.5% of global climate financing. To effectively confront the many challenges ahead –from the ongoing global health crisis to the ever-evolving landscape of medical research and technological advancements – a substantial increase in resources is not only warranted but essential. By multiplying financial support, we can strengthen the sector’s ability to innovate, adapt and provide optimal care, ensuring a resilient healthcare infrastructure for the challenges of today and the uncertainties of tomorrow.
WHO urgent call for climate and health action at COP28
As the world unites at COP28, the health community calls for decisive action. We urge negotiators to recognize that climate action is health action, and failure to address this reality will have profound consequences for the well-being of current and future generations.
The WHO call to action unites the health community in demanding a commitment to building resilient health systems, reducing emissions, and prioritizing health. The first-ever Health Day is set to elevate the global profile of the climate and health nexus and integrate health within the climate change agenda.
Health Day and Ministerial Session
The first-ever Health Day is set to elevate the global profile of the climate and health nexus and integrate health within the climate change agenda. For the very first time, a record number of health ministers will be attending COP28. The presence of a significant number of health ministers underscores the commitment to prioritize health in the context of climate discussions and reinforces our commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable future. The Ministerial session promises to amplify the urgency for action by bringing together global leaders to implement sustainable solutions. This historic gathering will focus on addressing the crucial intersection of health and climate change.
The legacy of COP 28 will be a commitment to a healthier planet, where the health arguments for climate action are not just heard but lead to tangible results.
全美电视台5月16日北京讯，中国国家主席习近平在北京人民大会堂同来华进行国事访问的俄罗斯总统普京举行会谈。 两国元首首先举行小范围会谈。习近平对普京开启新一届总统任期表示衷心祝贺，对他再次来华进行国事访问表示热烈欢迎。 习近平指出，普京总统这次对中国进行国事访问是他开启新一届总统任期后的首次访问，充分体现了普京总统本人和俄方对发展中俄关系的高度重视。我对普京总统到访表示热烈欢迎！刚才我同普京总统举行了坦诚友好内容丰富的会谈，全面总结了建交75年来两国关系发展的成功经验，就双边关系以及共同关心的重大国际和地区问题深入交换意见；对下阶段两国关系发展和各领域合作作出规划和部署。我们还共同签署并发表中华人民共和国和俄罗斯联邦在两国建交75周年之际《关于深化新时代全面战略协作伙伴关系的联合声明》，见证了多项两国政府间和部门间重要合作文件签署，为中俄关系健康发展注入了新的强劲动力。 习近平强调，今年是中俄建交75周年，在四分之三个世纪的历程中，中俄关系历经风雨历久弥艰，特别是新时代以来两国关系定位持续提升，合作内涵日益丰富，世代友好理念深入人心，中俄关系已经成为新型国际关系和相邻大国关系的典范；中俄关系之所以能够取得这些显著成就，得益于双方始终做到五个坚持，一是坚持以相互尊重为根本，始终在核心利益问题上相互支持。我同普京总统一致认为，中俄两国之所以能够走出大国邻国关系发展的新路径，关键在于相互尊重平等相待，始终在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上中俄双方将始终坚守，初心协力担当，为两国人民带来更多福祉，为世界安全稳定做出应有贡献。 普京表示，去年习近平主席连任后不久对俄罗斯进行国事访问，我此次连任后将中国作为首访国家。俄罗斯将中国作为长期可靠的合作伙伴，愿同中方持续拓展政治经济、文化教育、安全等领域合作。办好俄中文化年，深化人文交流，俄中在国际舞台上保持紧密协作，共同致力于推动建立更加民主的多极化世界秩序。愿继续加强在金砖国家、上海合作组织等框架内合作，以及重大国际地区问题上的沟通，促进地区和世界和平发展。 今天中午习近平在人民大会堂金色大厅为普京举行欢迎宴会，蔡奇、丁薛祥、王毅、何立峰、张国清、谌贻琴等参加上述活动。 https://youtu.be/yWFcNUpTY9g
全美电视5月15日迪尔菲尔德报道，美国药店零售商沃尔格林（Walgreens）今天表示，将推出更便宜的非处方阿片类药物过量逆转喷雾纳洛酮，这种药可以在其网站上买到，并将在本月底在所有线下商店出售。 总部位于伊利诺伊州迪尔菲尔德的沃尔格林的目标，是提高这种救命药物在美国的可获得性，因为美国正在努力应对阿片类药物的流行，并试图降低高得惊人的药物死亡率。 根据美疾病控制和预防中心（CDC）的最新数据，从1999年到2021年，超过64.5万人死于过量服用任何阿片类药物，包括处方和非法阿片类药物。 如果及时给药，纳洛酮可以暂时逆转过量服用阿片类药物，包括海洛因和芬太尼的影响。这种药物阻断阿片类药物对大脑的影响，恢复正常呼吸，防止死亡。 根据沃尔格林的一份新闻稿，尽管纳洛酮很有效，但在许多社区，获得这种治疗的机会“仍然有限”。 该公司表示，将以34.99美元的价格出售两剂“沃尔格林品牌纳洛酮”。这比非处方品牌药物纳洛酮便宜10美元左右，纳洛酮是去年获得美国食品和药物管理局（FDA）批准的首个无需处方的纳洛酮。以前，患者需要处方才能获得纳洛酮。 沃尔格林临床诚信办公室高级医学主任普里亚·曼曼（Priya Mammen）博士在接受媒体采访时表示：“这是一个一致的决定，我们真的尽一切努力提高可及性，不仅在数量和可用性方面，而且在价格方面。” 普里亚·曼曼博士表示，希望沃尔格林可以帮助减少与药物过量和纳洛酮使用有关的耻辱，这种药物“不仅仅适用于某些人。这是一种挽救生命的药物，可以在任何年龄、任何时间对任何人进行干预，家庭、个人和社区可以通过获得它来增强自己的能力，并可以成为解决方案的一部分。” 沃尔格林表示，在美国食品和药物管理局最近批准该产品后，推出了其无处方纳洛酮鼻喷雾剂。它相当于非处方的纳洛酮，沃尔格林目前在其连锁药店门店出售。 Reporter: Jason Quin, Wen Liu
全美电视5月15日华盛顿报道，美国劳工部劳工统计局（BLS）今天公布，消费者价格指数（CPI）较3月份上涨0.3%。消费者价格指数是衡量收银机上商品和服务价格的一个宽泛指标。这略低于道琼斯预测的0.4%。在12个月的基础上，CPI增长了3.4%，符合预期。 报告显示4月份通胀略有放缓，但仍高于暗示美联储即将降息的水平。剔除食品和能源后，关键核心通胀率环比0.3%，同比3.6%，均与预期相符。核心12个月通胀指数是自2021年4月以来的最低水平，而月度涨幅是自去年12月以来的最小水平。 该数据公布后，美国市场反应积极，与主要股指挂钩的期货上涨，美国国债收益率暴跌。期货交易员提高了美联储（Fed）将于9月开始降息的隐含可能性。 美国商务部的今天在一份报告中表示，当月零售额与上月持平，而此前的预期是增长0.4%。这一数据经季节性因素调整，但未考虑通胀因素，表明消费者没有跟上价格上涨的步伐。 就美国通胀报告而言，6月份的价格上涨在很大程度上受到住房和能源价格上涨的推动。 住房成本一直是美联储官员预期通胀今年会回落的一个特别麻烦的地方。住房成本本月上涨0.4%，较上年同期上涨5.5%。对于试图将整体通胀率降至2%的美联储来说，这两个水平都高得令人不安。 能源指数一个月上涨1.1%，较上年同期上涨2.6%。食品价格持平，上涨2.2%。在新冠病毒疫情最严重时期，二手车和新车价格都有所下降，分别下降1.4%和0.4%。 本月显著增长的领域包括服装1.2%、运输服务0.9%和医疗服务0.4%。交通运输服务业同比增长11.2%。不包括政策制定者一个关键指标的能源在内的服务业，环比增长了0.4%，同比增长5.3%。 通货膨胀率的上升对劳工们来说是个坏消息，经通胀因素调整后，他们的收入较上月下降了0.2%。以12个月为基础，实际收益仅增长0.5%。 在住房组成部分，主要住宅的租金和重要业主等效租金，即房主认为他们可以从自己的房产中获得的租金，均较上月上涨0.4%。它们在12个月的基础上分别增长了5.4%和5.8%。 数据显示，零售销售令人失望。消费者显然仍然感受到本月物价上涨的压力。4月份零售额的预估与3月份相比没有变化，3月份的预估向下修正为增长0.6%。不过，销售额同比增长了3%。扣除汽车后，销售增长0.2%，符合道琼斯的预期。 数据还显示，在线收入下降1.2%拖累了销售数据，体育用品及相关商店的销售额下降0.9%，汽车和零部件经销商的销售额下降0.8%。受汽油价格上涨的推动，汽油的价格上涨了3.1%，而电子产品和电器的价格上涨了1.5%。 所谓的控制组下降了0.3%。控制组剔除了一些项目，并将其纳入美国商务部的国内生产总值（GDP）计算。 这些报告出炉之际，美联储自2023年7月以来一直暂停加息，因为事实证明通胀比预期更具弹性。政策制定者最近几周表示，在同意降息之前，他们需要更多证据证明通胀正在可持续地回到2%的目标水平。 美联储的基准隔夜贷款利率目标在5.25%-5.5%之间，为23年来的最高水平。…
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全美电视5月15日华盛顿报道，美国总统乔·拜登（Joe Biden）和前总统唐纳德·特朗普（Donald Trump）今天接受了美国有线电视新闻网（CNN）和美国广播公司（ABC）的邀请，将在6月27日和9月10日举行总统辩论。 根据拜登竞选团队制定的条件，这些辩论应该由任何监督过特朗普参加的2016年共和党初选辩论和拜登参加的2020年民主党初选辩论的媒体机构主持。符合这些条件的媒体是哥伦比亚广播公司CBS、美国广播公司ABC、美国有线电视新闻网CNN和西班牙语电视台Telemundo。2016年特朗普参加过Telemundo和CNN举办的共和党初选辩论。 拜登竞选团队今天在一封信中表示，他愿意在11月大选前与特朗普进行两次辩论后，辩论计划很快就制定出来了。这引发了民主党和共和党候选人的一系列提案和社交媒体帖子，最终导致定于6月和9月举行两场辩论。 拜登今天在社交媒体上确认，他已接受邀请参加6月27日由CNN主持的辩论，并敦促特朗普加入他的行列，拜登在社交媒体上发帖说：“我已经收到并接受了CNN的邀请，参加6月27日的辩论。”“就像你说的：任何地方、任何时间、任何地点。” CNN随后宣布，将于美国东部时间6月27日晚9点在其亚特兰大演播室主持拜登和特朗普之间的辩论。CNN表示，“为了确保候选人可以最大限度地利用辩论的时间”，不会有观众。 CNN列出了参加辩论的五条标准。候选人必须：1、依照宪法规定有资格担任总统。2、向联邦选举委员会提交参选声明。3、名字出现在足够多的州选票上，以达到赢得总统职位所需的270张选举人票的门槛。4、同意辩论的规则和形式。5、在四个独立的全国民意调查中获得至少15%的符合CNN标准的注册或潜在选民。 拜登和特朗普是迄今为止仅有的两位符合这些条件的总统候选人，且辩论是一对一的，所以独立候选人小罗伯特·肯尼迪（Robert Kennedy, Jr.）不太可能有机会出现在辫论舞台上。 CNN的辩论将在共和党和民主党的提名大会之前举行，届时两党代表将选出各自的总统候选人。 此外，拜登还宣布，他已收到并接受邀请参加9月10日周二由美国广播公司新闻（ABC News）主持的第二场辩论。特朗普很快表示，他也将出席。他的竞选团队还在争取在7月和8月再举行两场辩论。 拜登在今年3月中旬获得民主党总统候选人提名，特朗普在今年3月中旬也获得了共和党总统候选人提名，这将是拜登和特朗普自2020年总统竞选以来的再次对决。…