Challenges for health in the face of climate change in Colombia
While this crisis has moved to the center of international cooperation, exemplified by the World Health Organization's declaration that climate change is the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century, the urgency was reiterated at this year's COP28, underscoring the need to act promptly on climate change and health.
The resulting roadmap prioritizes, and costs coordinated actions for adaptation and mitigation.
Four key findings:
Effects of temperature on people
Economic losses attributed to increased mortality, primarily due to heat, amounted to at least USD 147 million, with the Caribbean region, especially Atlántico, BolÃvar, and Cesar departments, bearing the greatest economic burden.
Risks to population health and to the health system
Health facilities are directly exposed, with 20 percent facing disruptive floods and 549 primary care facilities and 20 hospitals directly exposed to landslide risks. The associated costs of exposure to floods and landslides are substantial, totaling USD 170.8 million and USD 656.4 million, respectively. Notably, 5 out of the 10 most vulnerable primary healthcare centers are in the department of Bolivar.
Biodiversity and its role for human health and climate change
In 2016, environmental factors contributed to 17,549 deaths in Colombia, with 15,681 associated with poor air quality.
Assessing costs and identifying interventions
The economic toll of climate change on health in 2020 reached USD 1.8 billion, constituting 0.7% of that year's GDP. Projections suggest costs escalating to USD 7.8 billion in 2050, amounting to 1.6% of the projected GDP. Cost-effective solutions focusing on preparedness and health system resilience are crucial. The development of an early warning system, knowledge management, and the production of guides and action plans are estimated to cost USD 9.8 million over a 10-year period. Adaptation measures for healthcare providers are estimated at USD 46.4 million over the same period.
The road ahead for Colombia
The report outlines three key recommendations for prioritized investments in Colombia:
- The expansion of integrated public health surveillance systems, incorporating real-time climate change and public health data, will help develop early warning systems at the sub-national level.
- Prioritizing infrastructure investments to strengthen resilience, including developing contingency and risk communication plans.
- Investing in better planning for climate-related interventions, using vulnerability as a criterion for resource allocation and implementing plans for climate change adaptation in the health sector.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes the imperative to strengthen Colombia's health system sustainably and resiliently against the impacts of climate change. The World Bank's dedication is evident through the creation of Climate and Health Program and the commitment to allocate 45 percent of annual financing to climate-related projects by 2025. Urgency and collective determination are pivotal as we navigate towards creating a healthier and more resilient future for all.