By Imali Ngusale
The projected global warming of the earth’s surface will vary between 1.1 and 6.4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This means that the earth will be less tolerable for humans, and the health and well being of every person will be at risk.
Additionally, a 2023 study by the World Health Organization reveals that there will be catastrophic health impacts that could lead to millions of climate change related death. It is for this reason why urgent action on climate change is necessary to safeguard the well being of everyone especially poorer people who remain disproportionately disadvantaged.
Addressing climate change policies is therefore crucial to mitigate health risks particularly reproductive health risks because the future generation literally depends on it.
Speaking during a session that explored the linkage between health and climate change, Tasnia Ahmed a global health and climate justice youth advocate from Bangladesh said, ” There is an unbreakable relationship between sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and climate change.”
Ahmed explained that extreme weather events forces migration of persons and leaves women and young girls vulnerable and pre-exposed as potential rape victims. This has a likelihood of increasing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence.
Ahmed also said, “Sexual Reproductive Health Rights are essential and must be promoted so that extra resources have been allocated especially for vulnerable communities who do not contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions yet are impacted by it.”
Hassan Mowlid Yassin, the Chief Executive Director of Somali Greenpeace Association from Somalia said ” There is a strong nexus between climate change and health.”
Yassin explained that the recent flash floods caused by the Elnino in Somalia negatively impacted the health infrastructures in over 36 districts. He also mentioned that expectant mothers were negatively affected by the ruins of health facilities.
Yassin also stated that Somalian women and children suffered bilharzia, cholera and typhoid and other climate- change induced diseases.
He also underscored that climate change affected the mental and well being of the youth citing that a significant number already suffered mental distortion which led to suicide incidents.
Furthermore Yassin said, “Obstruction of labour for expectant women due to poor health facilities (or lack of which) led to many climate related deaths and COP 28 discussions must acknowledge this disproportionality. He emphasized that the operationalization of the loss and damage funds for African States s long overdue and requires fast-tracking.
“We can not talk about climate action plans without acknowledging the potential repercussions of reproductive health in Africa. Most of the contemporary health challenges Africa is experiencing stem from human-induced climate changes,” lauded Yasin.
In a rejoinder, Ahmed emphasized that climate finance discussions must not leave out reproductive health. She said, ” As we think about climate finance we must invest resources in reproductive health because this is also a matter of life and death particularly for vulnerable communities.”
Notably, climate-related concerns may also lead individuals to make choices that will (in) directly impact their sexual health, such as contraceptive choices. More studies are yet to establish the spread of Sexually Related Diseases and Infections, however, it is clear that reproductive health seeking behaviour is directly influenced by weather patterns and climate change in general.
Ahmed reiterated that,” In order to effectively address climate change, build resilience, and promote climate justice, we must first invest in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.”
Ahmed also recommends a revision of national plan of actions. She insists that SRHR investments should never be separated from climate action plans because of the correlation of climate change and health.
What is certain is that the 6.4 Degree Celsius will be greater than anything the earth has experienced. This will have severe repercussions on the health and well being of everyone and worse still no one will escape the consequences of climate change.
