Health experts have long pointed out that climate change isn’t just about the environment; it’s a public health crisis that often hits the most vulnerable the hardest. As we approach COP30 in Belém, Brazil, it’s critical to demand climate action that prioritizes equity and supports those in need. This is not simply a scientific issue; it’s a question of morality.
A Personal Journey
My understanding of the environment was shaped through personal experiences. I have seen firsthand how war can devastate the land, from landmines to chemical pollution. Discussions I participated in across the Middle East only reinforced my belief that protecting human rights and the environment are intertwined.
In 2012, while involved with the Arab Human Security Network, I argued that local organizations needed to join the global environmental movement that began with the 1972 Stockholm Conference. I don’t claim to be an expert; I speak from witnessing the tragedy of human suffering linked to environmental neglect.
Why Belém Matters
COP30 will kick off on November 10, 2025, in Belém, the heart of the Amazon. This gathering comes a decade after the Paris Agreement, amidst increasing climate disasters and unmet promises. We must recognize that this moment isn’t just about environmental policies, but about ethical responsibility.
Human security touches everyone: a mother in search of clean water, a farmer watching their land degrade, a child displaced by extreme weather. Climate change jeopardizes basic rights to life, health, and dignity. Simply put, our discussions on peace and development cannot ignore issues like militarization.
As Mother Teresa put it, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” This belief needs to guide our efforts moving forward.
The Need for Global Action
We must link climate action to peace and disarmament. Here’s what we should demand moving forward:
- No withdrawal from climate commitments by powerful nations.
- No sabotaging cooperation for profit.
- No silence in the face of fossil fuel lobbying.
- No arms races that worsen suffering.
Conversely, we should actively support:
- Brazil’s role in making Belém a turning point.
- A just energy transition for the Global South.
- Real action on climate finance.
These aren’t just slogans; they are vital strategies for survival.
A Call to Action
To governments that have delayed their commitments or withdrawn from discussions: the time for excuses is over. The climate doesn’t wait, and neither do the vulnerable. History will judge who acted and who stood aside.
Justice for the Vulnerable
Climate impacts are unequal. They hit marginalized groups—rural women, displaced children, Indigenous communities—much harder. True climate justice must include them.
I advocate for transparent international mechanisms to hold governments and corporations accountable. We also need to protect environmental defenders and ensure community participation in climate decisions. Investing in education, resilient infrastructure, and ethical technology is essential, as is ensuring AI serves humanitarian needs, not warfare.
A Message for Society
To academics, journalists, and activists: You play a vital role. Don’t let discussions remain stagnant or reduce vital issues to mere entertainment. We need to transform Belém into a hub for solidarity and action. Culture can resist oppression, and the media has a responsibility to highlight these urgent challenges.
Belém represents the hopes of those who dream of a safe and healthy planet. It resonates in the voices of children questioning our inaction and in the stories of elders witnessing climate change unfold before their eyes.
What to Watch For
As everyday citizens, we need to monitor whether COP30 advances the goals set forth by the “Baku to Belém” roadmap, which aims to increase climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035. This financial commitment is not just a figure; it’s critical for our survival.
We must prioritize:
- Climate Finance: Ensure transparency and commitment.
- Adaptation and Resilience: Aid for vulnerable communities.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Protect forests and biodiversity.
- Disarmament and Peacebuilding: Link climate justice with security and human rights.
- Technology and AI: Use scientific advancements for sustainability, not militarization.
Final Thoughts
Belém isn’t merely a conference; it’s a crucial ethical checkpoint. It reminds us of our shared responsibility toward one another and our planet, aligning our actions with the highest forms of peace.
For more in-depth insights and updates on this topic, you can also refer to resources from WHO’s Climate Change and Health program.
Dr. Ghassan Shahrour is a medical doctor and humanitarian advocate. He has coordinated numerous initiatives linking disability rights, disarmament, and environmental justice.
