At COP29, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, emphasized the widespread vulnerability of Indians to climate change and the urgent need for collaborative action to address its health, gender, and economic impacts. She highlighted that over 80% of India’s population faces climate-related health risks, including respiratory illnesses from air pollution and malnutrition due to disrupted agriculture. Women and children, especially in rural areas, are disproportionately affected, and she urged policies that promote clean energy to mitigate these health risks.

Dr. Swaminathan advocated for green public transportation as a “win-win solution” for reducing air pollution and enhancing public health. She also called for gender-focused climate policies to support the poorest and most vulnerable. Stressing the economic costs of climate-related health impacts, she noted that air pollution alone costs trillions globally. Cross-border cooperation, particularly through initiatives like the Our Common Air Commission, is crucial to combat air pollution effectively. Dr. Swaminathan concluded that India has the potential to lead in climate adaptation and sustainable urbanization by integrating climate resilience into development strategies. For more details, visit