Health will be on the agenda this November when climate negotiators arrive in Antalya, Türkiye for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). Specifically, the COP31 Presidency has added “Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems” as a priority theme for their Action Agenda, noting that “health systems must undergo a structural transformation that enables them to anticipate, absorb, adapt to, and recover rapidly from climate-related shocks.”
1. Move From an “Energy Transition” to a “Systemic Transformation”
Climate action must go beyond the simple substitution of energy sources and advance toward a structural transformation of economic systems that depend on fossil fuels. This requires rethinking current models of production and consumption, while promoting more efficient and sustainable uses of energy both as a resource and as a raw material.
Such an approach should place health, well-being, and equity at the center of the transition, while also acknowledging the pervasive role of fossil fuel–based products across nearly all sectors of modern life and daily consumption.
2. Place Health at the Heart of the Climate and Just Transition Agenda
Health should not be understood only as a co-benefit, but as a central result of the transition. Integrating health metrics and indicators into just transition frameworks strengthens equity, improves the effectiveness of public policies, complements economic analyses, and increases social support for decarbonization measures.
In this sense, the transition must be built from a fair, territorialized approach and centred on a concept of well-being for people, communities, and the environment.
3. When Evaluating Health Impacts, Examine the Entire Fossil Fuel Value Chain
National policies should address not only the impacts associated with emissions related to energy use, but also the climate-related health impacts of fossil fuel derivatives, including petrochemicals, plastics, and fertilizers. Their impacts are currently underestimated despite their significant risks.
4. Align Finance, Fiscal Policy, and Evidence With Real Health Costs and Benefits
Decision making must reflect the true socio-environmental and health costs of inaction, as well as the economic and health benefits of action. This involves reforming subsidies, evolving tax systems beyond carbon-only approaches, and integrating health data into investment frameworks. These elements should also be incorporated into subsidy analysis and models used to design roadmaps and prioritize the necessary national transformations.
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5. Close Evidence, Communication, and Capacity Gaps to Better Highlight Health
Bridging the gap between technical knowledge and decision making requires greater investment in research, transparent health data systems, decarbonization and climate, and accessible communication. Investing in and strengthening diverse spokespersons — including health professionals and communities — is key to countering climate misinformation and accelerating climate action.
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This article was originally published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and is republished here as part of an editorial collaboration with the IISD. It was authored by Margarita Guiterez and Lynn Wagner.
