Jakarta – Deputy Minister of Finance Suahasil Nazara emphasized the importance of understanding the linkages between climate change and health in an official statement, Friday, September 27.
During a conference in Uzbekistan titled “Health and its Interlinkages with Climate and Nature,” Suahasil said that climate change threatens ecosystems and the environment and can trigger serious socio-economic impacts.
Suahasil referred to a study conducted by the World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO), which projected that by 2030, climate change could cause an additional 132 million people to fall into extreme poverty. In addition, around 44 million people are expected to experience serious health problems as a direct result of climate change.
“These numbers are alarming, and these projections emphasize the enormity of our challenge. The global health costs arising from these impacts are estimated to be between USD 2 and 4 billion every year,” he said.
He added that this cost burden would be felt most by developing countries already struggling with poverty and weak health infrastructure. “We cannot let this happen. Concrete steps must be taken immediately,” he said.
Suahasil highlighted that climate change can be viewed not only as an environmental issue but also as a serious threat to global health. According to him, the COP 28 declaration is an important turning point in recognising that health must be a major dimension in global climate action strategies.
“Climate change is a global health emergency. It is not just about the environment but also about human survival. Hundreds of millions worldwide, especially in poor and developing countries, are at direct risk,” said Suahasil.
Suahasil said Indonesia itself is active in strengthening the integration of health and climate policies at the global level. Indonesia continues to link health financing with climate policy through initiatives such as the G20 Joint Finance and Health Task Force and the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action.
“We must push for health and climate change issues to be prioritized in budget allocations by finance ministers around the world,” he continued.
Indonesia’s steps in energy transition
On the occasion, Suahasil also underlined Indonesia’s efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuel power plants, especially coal, through the energy transition mechanism. One important initiative that has been developed is the Indonesia Energy Transition Mechanism, which aims to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Indonesia has taken serious steps to address the climate crisis, including accelerating the transition from coal to renewable energy. However, this challenge must be faced globally as its impacts do not recognize national borders,” Suahasil concluded.
With the urgency becoming more apparent, concerted measures from various countries are expected to reduce the risk of extreme poverty and health crises caused by climate change and ensure the achievement of global climate targets and carbon neutrality by 2060 or sooner. (Hartatik)
