Brazil to showcase climate change response model at COP31
The framework established in Brazil in response to the effects of climate change on public health will be presented in Turkey during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), to be held in Antalya from November 9 to 20. The changes implemented in Brazil’s national health care network, the SUS, will be presented with a view to adapting healthcare services and transforming…
Brazil will exhibit its strategy for addressing climate change through the healthcare sector at the upcoming COP31 conference in Turkey, scheduled from November 9 to 20. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha unveiled details on how the country's national health care network, SUS, is adapting its services and facilities to withstand the impacts of climate change.
In a recent report, he underscored that the climate crisis primarily constitutes a public health issue, emphasizing the critical role of healthcare in mobilizing society towards climate action and adaptation.
The Brazilian framework, unveiled for COP31, includes a significant investment of BRL 9.8 billion in the AdaptaSUS program by 2035. This funding will facilitate the construction of 2,795 basic health clinics, provision of 4,056 new ambulances, installation of 783 drinking water systems on indigenous lands, and deployment of 20,800 cisterns in the Northeast and Southeast semi-arid regions.
The National SUS Force, established in 2011, will serve as a model for emergency response, aimed at reinforcing existing healthcare facilities. Over the past four years, this force has delivered aid to 25 states, responding to 86,918 calls, with the largest mission in Rio Grande do Sul following severe floods in 2024. This mission involved 763 professionals, who conducted 29,019 medical consultations.
Additionally, new bases for the National SUS Force have been set up in five states, further decentralizing support for health networks and extending to four other regions of Brazil.
Another presentation at COP31 will focus on the creation of Health and Climate Information Centers (CISCs) that monitor air and water quality, temperature variations, and extreme weather events. These centers aim to anticipate risks, identify vulnerabilities, and prepare the healthcare network for potential climate event impacts. Padilha highlighted the regional differences in El Niño impacts in Brazil, stressing the importance of such monitoring for effective preparation and response.
Beyond Brazil, Padilha outlined the country's intentions to enhance global cooperation and climate finance through its participation in the Baku Group, a coalition of countries that have chaired recent COP meetings. Initial members include Brazil, Azerbaijan, Egypt, the UAE, and the UK, with Australia and Turkey also joining. The Belém Health Action Plan, named after the host city of COP30, seeks to unite nations in addressing climate adaptation and enhancing healthcare for vulnerable populations.
This initiative has gained endorsements from 40 countries and support from 50 organizations, with over 60 actions now part of its framework. The plan has already secured USD 300 million in funding for health care projects at the COP30, and Brazil intends to further discuss international corporate funding for these initiatives at COP31.
The minister anticipates announcements of new funding and a guidance document for seeking international financial support during the conference in Antalya.
Written by urgent.news from Agencia Brasil's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
