340,000 Nurses Unite: Urgent Call for Climate Action at COP28

December 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared climate change as the greatest threat to health, and the effects are already felt across communities, resonating in everyday challenges faced by healthcare systems and the well-being of populations worldwide. The adverse effects of climatechange are no longer distant forecasts but evident realities, manifesting in health crises, strained resources, and unprecedented challenges to healthcare infrastructure.

As nurses, we work on the frontlines and witness the increasing burden that climate change places on human health: from the rise of new infectious diseases and pandemics to vector-borne illnesses, mental health issues, and health challenges resulting from heatwaves, wildfires, and floods.

The Nordic Nurses’ Federation (NNF) urges Nordic policymakers and negotiators to contribute to strong, binding agreements that reduce our global CO2 footprint. The need to limit climate change extends beyond ecological concerns; it is an indispensable factor in strengthening public health and ensuring a resilient healthcare system.

Every decision made, every commitment undertaken at COP28, holds significant implications for thehealth and well-being of current and future generations. Healthcare professionals already witnessthe consequences of inaction today and the urgent need for immediate, committed efforts to limit climate change.

We implore you to heed the call from 340,000 Nordic nurses. Champion binding agreements thatreduce carbon emissions, prioritize renewable energy sources, and pave the way for a sustainable, healthier future for all. As nurses, we expect a fair and inclusive transition that safeguards vulnerable groups, upholds human rights, and involves those most affected.

The time for discussion is over; we demand action. Health stands at the forefront of the agenda for COP28, and we urge you to seize the opportunity to make decisions on behalf of the health of humanity and the planet.