Dutch leadership in health and climate at COP29 in Baku
During the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29), which took place from 11 to 22 November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan, world leaders and climate experts gathered to define a new global goal for climate finance and advance climate action.
MEPs urged all countries to establish a fair and equitable climate finance goal and called on the EU to create a stable financing system to meet its climate commitments. Mieke Molthof, Policy advisor international affairs at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), represented the Netherlands alongside the State Secretary Vincent Karremans.
Together with a Dutch delegation from the Ministry of Health, the State Secretary aimed to highlight the critical link between climate change and public health on the global stage. The delegation's focus was not only on policy but also on building international partnerships and exchanging knowledge. Molthof: “Climate change has far-reaching effects on public health. Our mission is to ensure health is well considered in climate discussions, which has traditionally not been the case.”
Raising health on climate agenda
Traditionally, health has been a peripheral topic in international climate discussions. However, the Netherlands has been at the forefront of changing that narrative. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a resolution spearheaded by the Netherlands, calling for stronger climate-health action plans. This year, Molthof aimed to further build on that progress: “Health was barely on the agenda in previous years, but that’s starting to change. Now, we’re taking concrete steps to align healthcare with climate action and encourage global partnerships.” This agenda included showcasing sustainable practices within healthcare, such as preventive health, reducing CO2 emissions and using fewer materials.
Challenges in Baku
A core issue at the summit was the division between developed and developing nations regarding financial responsibilities. Countries like the Netherlands were urged to increase contributions to help vulnerable nations adapt to climate change. At the same time, debates over which countries qualify as "developing" led to disputes. Molthof: “These debates often overshadow the urgent need for collective action. Thankfully, participants of the WHO climate and health roundtable explored how health can be an enabling factor, and how the health sector can play a pivotal role in addressing climate impacts.”
New Projects and the Green Deal
Amid these challenges, the Dutch delegation succeeded in showcasing impactful projects. One example was a partnership between the Kenyan Ministry of Health and the Dutch research organization TNO, which uses environmental data to improve air quality and public health. This initiative, presented at COP29, exemplified the practical application of integrating health into climate strategies. Molthof: “Such collaborations are crucial. They demonstrate what’s possible and inspire others to take action. Many of these projects are in their early stages, but they represent real progress.”
The Netherlands highlighted its Green Deal on sustainable healthcare. While Dutch healthcare contributes 7% of the country’s CO2 emissions—above the global average—the Green Deal aims to reduce this footprint. Initiatives include improving energy efficiency in healthcare facilities and implementing waste reduction strategies.
Looking forward
In the coming months, the Netherlands plans to strengthen its leadership in the health-climate nexus. With Brazil hosting COP30, Molthof emphasizes the importance of keeping health on the agenda: “It’s still unclear how Brazil will approach this, but we’ll continue to advocate for the inclusion of health in climate programs.” Additionally, the Netherlands will further develop its prevention agenda and explore how best to integrate health promotion with sustainability goals. This includes reducing healthcare-related emissions and promoting healthy lifestyles that reduce environmental impacts. Molthof highlights the importance of collaboration with other ministries and countries: “By working across sectors and borders, we can amplify the impact of our efforts. Health is not just a national issue. It’s a global one, especially in the context of climate change.”