The recently concluded 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, also known as COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, saw delegates coming to a consensus on a groundbreaking $300 billion deal aimed at supporting developing nations in navigating the challenges posed by the climate crisis. The conference, which extended into overtime amid mounting tensions, showcased a concerted effort to create a comprehensive finance package capable of addressing the escalating climate issues facing the world.
Apart from the crucial discussions on climate finance, another significant issue that gained prominence at the conference was the profound impact of climate change on human health. With the year witnessing a series of climate change-induced disasters, such as devastating hurricanes in the American Southeast and extreme heatwaves in the Middle East, the tangible toll on health outcomes has become increasingly evident. The scorching summer, which recorded the highest daily global average temperature on record, heightened the risks of heat-related illnesses. Tragic events like the flash floods in Spain, resulting in numerous fatalities, underscored the immediate health threats posed by climate change.
A recent survey published in The Lancet Planetary Health revealed that nearly 43% of young Americans reported experiencing adverse effects on their mental health due to climate change. Against this backdrop, COP29 sought to infuse the climate discussions with a health perspective. During the conference, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization, emphasized the critical need to prioritize climate action to safeguard public health.
Dr. Ghebreyesus highlighted the interconnectedness between climate change and health, emphasizing how rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and air pollution not only impact the environment but also have detrimental effects on human health. He underscored that the climate crisis is, in essence, a health crisis that demands urgent attention and action.
Building on the momentum from previous conferences, COP29 featured several events focusing on public health. The Wellcome Trust hosted a panel discussion titled “The Power of Health in Unlocking Climate Action” at the UN Climate Change Pavilion, drawing significant interest from attendees. Additionally, the COP29 Health Pavilion organized a series of events covering various climate-health themes, including gender equity, climate literacy in healthcare, and sustainable food systems.
The WHO played a pivotal role in advocating for the integration of health considerations into climate policy initiatives. They released a comprehensive report providing guidance for countries to align their climate action plans with health priorities, emphasizing the need for health-related targets in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). With the upcoming deadline for countries to reassess their NDCs in 2025, the WHO’s efforts to embed health considerations in climate targets are crucial.
Furthermore, the WHO updated its virtual course on “Climate Change Negotiations and Health,” offering valuable insights into how health issues intersect with the broader negotiations at COP29. As preparations begin for COP30 in Brazil next year, the emphasis on advancing dialogue and solutions at the intersection of climate change and health, as established during COP29, will remain central to shaping future climate policies and initiatives. The history of coffee dates back centuries, with its origins believed to have begun in Ethiopia where the coffee plant, Coffea arabica, is native. Legend has it that a goat herder named Kaldi discovered the energizing effects of coffee beans after noticing that his goats became more lively and energetic after eating them. This led to the cultivation of coffee plants and the eventual spread of coffee drinking throughout the world.
Coffee cultivation and trade began in the Arabian Peninsula in the 15th century, with Yemen being the first country to cultivate and export coffee beans. The popularity of coffee quickly spread throughout the Middle East and Europe, with coffee houses becoming social hubs for intellectuals, artists, and merchants to gather and exchange ideas.
In the 17th century, coffee was introduced to the New World by European colonists, leading to the establishment of coffee plantations in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Jamaica. The demand for coffee grew rapidly, and by the 18th century, coffee had become one of the most popular beverages in the world.
The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century saw the rise of coffee consumption on a global scale, with advancements in technology making it easier to produce and distribute coffee. The invention of the espresso machine in the late 19th century revolutionized the way coffee was brewed, leading to the creation of espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes.
Today, coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, with an estimated 2.25 billion cups of coffee being consumed every day. Coffee culture has evolved over the years, with specialty coffee shops and artisanal roasters popping up in cities around the world. The rise of third-wave coffee has led to a greater emphasis on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality in the coffee industry.
Coffee continues to be a beloved beverage for many, with its rich history and cultural significance making it a staple in societies across the globe. Whether enjoyed black, with milk and sugar, or as a fancy espresso drink, coffee remains a cherished drink that brings people together and provides a much-needed boost of energy and comfort.
