In a stark warning regarding the intersection of climate change and public health, Christiana Figueres, the former UN climate chief, has stated that the world is being “held hostage” by its reliance on fossil fuels. As co-chair of a new Lancet Commission, Figueres is set to examine how the escalating sea levels are impacting health and exacerbating inequality, emphasising that the ramifications of climate change are among the most significant injustices facing humanity today.
The Health Crisis Unfolding
The Lancet Commission, which will release its findings by September 2027, aims to explore not only the health implications of rising sea levels but also the legal frameworks necessary to hold countries accountable for the ensuing health crises. Figueres underscored that the current fuel crisis serves as a stark reminder of global dependence on fossil fuels, which fuels geopolitical tensions and exacerbates health issues.
“Rising sea levels contaminate drinking water, disrupt food supplies, and displace entire communities,” she stated. This is particularly pressing for low-lying nations like Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji, which may become uninhabitable in just a few decades.
Recent studies have shown that sea levels are rising faster than previously estimated, with some regions of the global south experiencing increases of up to 150 cm. This alarming data highlights the urgent need for action as various global cities—including New Orleans, Cardiff, and London—face similar threats.
Contextualising Climate Change
Figueres believes that the climate community has often communicated the crisis in overly complex terms, distancing it from personal experience. “Framing these issues in terms of health, dignity, livelihoods, and cultural continuity provides a clearer context for understanding the urgency of emission reductions,” she argued.
The health implications of rising sea levels are extensive. They impact essential resources such as drinking water and sanitation, while also threatening food security through land salinisation. Figueres passionately described the emotional toll of displacement, noting the profound grief experienced by those forced to leave ancestral lands.
“Can you imagine the pain of having to leave the bones of ancestors?” she asked. “That is a pain that we cannot put in economic terms. The grief is huge.”
Accountability and Legal Frameworks
A critical aspect of the Lancet Commission’s work will be to investigate how to hold major polluters accountable for the irreversible harm inflicted upon nations that contribute least to climate change. Figueres highlighted the necessity of assessing existing legal protections and identifying gaps, particularly in light of a landmark advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that asserted countries have a legal obligation to prevent climate harm.
This opinion, while non-binding, could pave the way for significant climate litigation. Vanuatu is set to lead a UN General Assembly resolution aimed at upholding the ICJ’s findings, although there are concerns regarding potential resistance from some nations to acknowledge fossil fuel responsibility.
Figueres cautioned that legally binding agreements alone may not suffice, citing Canada’s withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol as a cautionary tale. Instead, she advocates for a multifaceted approach combining legal pressure, scientific evidence, and what she refers to as “enlightened self-interest” from both governments and corporations.
The Path Forward
The upcoming Lancet Commission report is poised to play a crucial role in shaping global health policy in the context of climate change. The findings will not only inform health initiatives but also advocate for justice for communities most affected by climate-related displacement and health crises.
As Figueres aptly stated, “Companies should understand that for their business continuation, they should reduce emissions. Governments should recognise that in order to stabilise their economy and protect their people, they too must take action.”
Why it Matters
The implications of rising sea levels extend beyond environmental degradation; they represent a fundamental health crisis that impacts the very fabric of society. Figueres’ work with the Lancet Commission highlights the urgent need for accountability and action in addressing these challenges. As communities around the world grapple with the effects of climate change, understanding the interconnectedness of health, justice, and environmental sustainability is vital for securing a future where everyone can thrive. The time for decisive action is now.
