Demand the Government Puts Words Into Action
When it comes to the climate crisis, talk is cheap. It’s the single greatest health threat facing humanity, so only action will do.
Yet time and time again, the UK fails to meet its commitments for climate financing, fuelling further decimation of public and planetary health.
This inaction is hitting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hardest. LMICs need $11 billion annually for climate and health adaptation, yet the UK is miles off reaching its five-year $11.6bn climate finance target - spending £1.46bn in 2021/22 and just £1.36bn in 2022/23, rather than £2.32bn annually.
This leaves LMICs dangerously exposed to the devastating health impacts that global warming brings. According to the WHO, climate change is expected to cause 250,000 deaths per year as a result of heat stress, diarrhoea, malaria and childhood malnutrition. By 2030, climate's negative health effects could drive at least 44 million people into extreme poverty.
LMICs should not have to pay the price for a crisis they have not caused. Rich countries like the UK have a moral and legal obligation to provide climate finance. Why? Because they are culpable for this imminent catastrophe.
We therefore urge the UK Government to urgently address the stark funding gaps in climate- health financing. By addressing these gaps and seizing new opportunities, the UK can play a leading role in tackling the climate and global health crises.
It’s time for the UK to put its money where its mouth is - for our health, and the planet’s.
Sign our letter and demand the government puts #WordsIntoAction.
What you can do to help
By raising the profile of this issue and asking the UK Government to commit its fair share of climate and health financing, the UK will show its continued commitment to helping to create a healthier, safer world in the face of the growing climate crisis.
Take action today by sending the following letter to Minister of State for Development, Anneliese Dodds and Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero), Sarah Jones to ensure that the UK Government plays a leading role in tackling the climate and global health crises.