Climate crises and public health in Africa with Saad Uakkas and Nolita Mvunelo

The impacts of extreme weather events and climate crises are threatening many of the hard-won advancements in public health infrastructure across African countries.

In this episode of the special series ‘We Kinda Need a Revolution’, host Nolita Mvunelo is joined by Saad Uakkas, a medical doctor and executive chair of the African Youth Initiative on Climate Change. They discuss the profound effects of nature crises on public health and the urgent need for systemic solutions. Together, they explore the importance of intergenerational leadership in building resilient and sustainable public health systems.

This episode is part of a series highlighting the need for a New Generational Contract.

How can we foster equity and mutual support between generations? This is one of the key questions being asked by The Fifth Element, an initiative from The Club of Rome and partners. To find out more visit: www.thefifthelement.earth

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Full transcript:

Nolita: We kinda need a revolution. Welcome to this special edition of The Club of Rome Podcast exploring how we can work together across generations to mobilise action for a regenerative future. To get there, we need some systemic change, a revolution of sorts, maybe. I am Nolita Mvunelo, programme manager for The Club of Rome.

And in this episode, we'll be diving into the topic of public health in nature crises. Joining us today is Saad Uakkas a Moroccan medical doctor and a youth engagement and empowerment specialist. We're seeing a growing frequency of nature crises across the world. More recently, the floods in Kenya have resulted in a loss of over 230 lives and 40,000 households displaced. And similarly, in 2022 on the east coast of South Africa, flooding claimed over 300 lives. These events are catastrophic and pose a serious threat to the lives of many with far reaching impact tearing away hard won gains in public health and infrastructure. So I turn over to you Saad, firstly, thanking you for joining us and also asking you to briefly introduce yourself.

Saad: Dr Saad Uakkas here, I am the Executive Chair of the African Youth Initiative for Climate Change, which represents and unites African young people all over the continent. I'm also in the environment working group of the global Mental Health Action Network. So,  working on the intersection of climate change and mental health on the global level. Medical doctor by background, climate actor by passion, and young African from Morocco, so great to be here.

Nolita: Thank you so much for joining us. So in January 2024, the World Economic Forum released  a report quantifying the impact of climate change on human health, which projects that by 2050, climate change could result in an additional 14.5 million deaths and 1.1 trillion US dollars in extra health care costs. With your extensive experience as an MD working with young people on climate change issues, what specific health challenges have you observed, that could contribute to such significant impacts in the next few decades ?

Saad: I already started seeing that when I was a medical student seeing more respiratory diseases in the city I worked on Kenitra, which has really large industrial parts. And that was one example how pollution both air water pollution affected health of you know, the local population. So we have seen that we have see more people come in with also infectious diseases also that was something not only in Morocco, but all over the continents, you know, in the way that weather pattern change, and rains, patterns also change, this affects the habitats of vector-borne diseases. And also, when the weather is warmer, more insect-borne diseases can spread more easily and for longer periods. So this constitutes a huge threat for us in Africa, especially with all the neglected tropical disease with like infectious diseases like malaria, and those insects being able to live longer and in more places, you've been talking about disasters, you know, recently in Morocco, we had this earthquake, and you know, I remember people in Pakistan in Libya, with those floodings that they had in UAE, and you know, the houses that are being lost and the habitats and all those infrastructure, this usually has a direct impact on people's livelihood, on people's food security, and then the thing that I work most on, on people's mental health, and I can't tell you enough, how crucial that is, when you lose your house, when you lose your livelihood, your daily life. Here, we're talking, for example about farmers in the rural areas that don't have access to water to agriculture anymore. So livelihood lost, And they're obliged to migrate to find a new source of income. Those people usually they have huge mental health consequences out of that and with with psychologists with mental health professionals, we've been seeing that, you know, the need for mental health supports for people because of all the uncertainty because of all the impacts of climate change has been immense and then finally, you know, health systems and usually here we're talking about, you know, for example, the continents, we have hospitals and weak infrastructure, and especially in the rural areas, so the health system is not ready to cope up with the impacts of climate change. So when a disaster happens, resilience is not there. So usually you have a health system which loses electricity or which loses, you know, people lose access to hospitals, because of climates or disaster events, you know, when something related to climate change happens, people really get affected lose access to health, basic health care services, and it can affect them, you know, just losing access to medication can really have huge effects in your life if you're in a rural area. And then, of course, you have food security, you know, with the lack of water with all the effects of agriculture, food security is a very, very important one. So impacts of climate change on health, we can talk about a lot of aspects. And, you know, one thing is, recently, the World Health Assembly that happened in Geneva, recognize that and they voted for a resolution for the first time they adopted that in the World Health Assembly related to climate change and public health, recognising that today, climate change is the number one killer is the number one disease. And as you said the amount of lives that are threatened because of climate change is huge. So today, this is a very relevant discussion for all of us to be aware of this intersection, and to know what steps we need to take in order to, you know, take care of our health to improve the health system resilience, and prevent climate change in the future.

Nolita: Thank you for such a comprehensive answer. It makes me want to ask a very specific question because of your background. Having worked as a medical doctor, you have a particular focus on healthcare. Additionally, you work closely with young people on climate change and climate resilience. Practically speaking, what interventions have you seen coming from the youth constituencies you work with in addressing climate-related disasters and healthcare?

Saad: One concrete example is young people conducting research by being in the field and gathering data. That's step number one for me. I've seen many young people across the continent working at the intersection of climate and health, being on the ground, doing surveys, and identifying issues within their communities. For instance, we have a strong collaboration with the International Federation of Medical Students Association and the African Youth Public Health Association. These health-related youth groups are collaborating to conduct data gathering and research actions. Young people are working on improving food systems by promoting climate-smart agriculture and agroecology. This involves using natural seeds, reducing water consumption, and creating holistic ecosystems that minimize pesticide use. Such practices lead to more sustainable and healthier agriculture, which enhances food quality and, consequently, the health of local populations. Another area is advocacy. Young people are using health arguments to advocate for policies and decisions aimed at preventing and controlling climate change.

Here, for example, I'm talking about people gathering data on pollution, the effects of industry, and the impacts of greenhouse gases on people's livelihoods. They then advocate together using media, joining the voices of health professionals, and pushing for policies to improve the situation. Additionally, engaging in dialogue with the private sector is crucial. This involves discussing how to prevent negative health outcomes, holding industries accountable, and pressuring them to reduce emissions. By including the private sector in the conversation, we can collaboratively work to decrease the health impacts of climate change. Policy action is essential in driving these efforts forward.

One very good example is the youth group in Nigeria, Susty Vibes. They are doing great work in addressing climate change and mental health. One specific aspect they focus on is climate care for activists who are working within the space and constantly witnessing the negative impacts of climate change. They emphasize the importance of self-care for young people, as it can become overwhelming when facing such a large issue. Susty Vibes addresses climate anxiety among the youth generation, acknowledging that young people often feel that the problem is too big to solve alone. They stress the importance of taking breaks and having a support system to avoid being consumed by the enormity of the challenge. Susty Vibes provides this support system for young activists in Nigeria and West African countries, helping them care for themselves. Climate anxiety and self-care are crucial not only for climate activists but for everyone. In today's fast-paced world, where we strive to make a positive impact, it's essential to remember to take care of ourselves and maintain a support system. Mental health and well-being keep us going, and it's vital to prioritize them on this journey. Young people are actively engaging in community action and using health arguments to advocate for change.

When engaging with people and promoting individual actions, such as recycling or adopting a waste management approach within the community, it's important to educate them about the health impacts. For example, choosing to walk or bike instead of using a car directly benefits personal health. Encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle can have immediate positive effects on health. When advocating for behavior change, emphasize the benefits of eating more local food, more vegetables, and generally more sustainable food options. This not only supports a healthier diet but also promotes overall well-being.

If you are living a sustainable lifestyle, incorporating more walking and an active lifestyle, you are taking better care of your health. For the government, pushing for smart cities and clean cities with green spaces and accessible walking areas can significantly impact public health. Cities designed with better public transport and reduced car usage directly benefit the health of their residents.

Nolita: Thank you. That’s such a comprehensive answer. It speaks to the systemic nature of the problem, as you touched on many crucial points. The way we build our cities is one consideration; mental health is another critical aspect. Collaboration among young people in different sectors and specialties, as well as advocating for change in the private sector, is also vital. My next question is: Have you seen examples of successful collaboration with the public sector, both at the local and international levels? I ask this because public health is a significant part of the social fabric of society.

There are interventions that can be implemented at the community and individual levels. However, the resilience of healthcare systems requires substantial participation and planning from all parties involved. Do you believe there is room for young people to work with various public sectors in different countries? If so, what examples have you seen of this collaboration?

Saad: The first action the public sector needs to take to recognize this intersection is to work together. For example, having a climate change department within the Ministry of Environment is a concrete step where public health professionals can begin integrating climate reflections and discussions into their work. The intersection between climate and health has been acknowledged for a while, but concrete actions have only started recently. In many regions, this conversation is still ongoing. One practice I have observed is pushing for climate education and awareness within the health community. For instance, doctors and health ministries are advocating for better climate change knowledge among healthcare professionals. This is crucial for effectively addressing issues like vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, and air pollution-related health problems.

If you are managing a healthcare facility at the local level and you encounter the impacts of disasters or climate change affecting the local population, what types of healthcare services should you offer? How can you address these challenges effectively within your facility? Ensuring the resilience of your healthcare facility is crucial in the face of events like earthquakes or flooding. For instance, if there's a power outage due to climate-related issues, how can you enhance the resilience of your facility? These are essential dialogues that need to take place with the public sector.

Another crucial aspect to consider is how to reduce the climate impacts of the healthcare system itself. While healthcare is not the biggest polluter, making it greener is still essential. For example, in Marrakesh, Morocco, there's a green hospital that is exploring waste management systems for healthcare facilities. There's a need for dialogue about integrating health and climate strategies at the local level. This involves working with health ministries and climate ministries to develop models for green, clean, and healthy cities. The goal is to create environments with access to clean air, green infrastructure, and healthy lifestyles.

These discussions need to be localised, as solutions will vary from city to city and region to region. Building a green, clean, and healthy community is a shared responsibility. Engaging the public sector, making them aware of the intersection's importance, and pushing for concrete policies and infrastructure improvements is the way forward. You mentioned that addressing these issues is not only incredibly local but also deeply personal, as health is closely tied to individual well-being and the availability of resources. My next question concerns intergenerational leadership. We’ve discussed collaboration across different sectors and the need for transformation, but how can intergenerational leadership and learning contribute to accelerating progress in public health and environmental crises?

Intergenerational dialogue and collaboration can significantly accelerate progress on climate change and public health issues. For example, in Tunisia, there is a youth negotiators group that has been active for the past two years. This initiative trains young people in climate negotiations and involves them as negotiators representing their country. By integrating the expertise and innovative perspectives of young people, the country benefits from fresh ideas and community insights that can lead to more effective climate policies. Young leaders, particularly those involved in NGOs and grassroots movements, are crucial in bridging the gap between policy and community action. They not only participate in policy discussions but also play a vital role in implementing these policies at the local level. Their energy and expertise in community mobilization help drive education, capacity-building, and social media engagement. Also, fostering innovation through intergenerational collaboration is essential. Hackathons and working sessions that bring together young innovators with public and private sector leaders can generate new solutions for the climate and health crises.

It's either technology or indigenous solutions that are brought back and amplified to address these issues locally. Additionally, intergenerational action plays a key role in global policy. I mentioned how young people can play a role in diplomacy by sharing experiences and learning from each other. For example, within the African Youth Initiative for Climate Change, young people reflect on what's happening and share their insights. We are also organizing the Regional Conference of Youth Africa soon, where young people will come together to engage in similar intergenerational dialogues. These discussions extend to the global level with significant entities like the African Development Bank, the African Union, UN agencies, and various foundations.

When it comes to the continental and regional levels, it's crucial to reflect on the current realities and identify opportunities we can tap into today. Engaging young people in these discussions and supporting the momentum on a regional level is vital. This ensures that while we act locally, we also think globally. Tapping into expertise, as you mentioned, highlights the importance of having a systems perspective, which allows us to see the whole picture. This approach helps us understand the complexity of the challenge and recognize that we can be masters of our own fate by seeing the entire problem for what it is.

Nolita: Thank you for showing us the intricate nature of this issue. If you had one last piece of advice or a question someone of any age should ask themselves when starting to work on public health and nature crises, what would it be?

Saad: Health and climate are both realities that we must care about today. As a young person, understanding that these are the two biggest factors that can affect my life and the life of my children is crucial. They need to be healthy and have a good life, which requires a good environment around them. Recognising that health and climate are the most important existential conversations for our generation is essential. So, how can we take care of our environments in our daily lives? How can you take care of your health in daily life? Eating healthy, walking, and maintaining an active lifestyle are essential. Given our diversity, it's important to consider how you can contribute to making your country or the world healthier and cleaner from your own space and through your daily activities. Whether you're an engineer, working in the private sector, or in any other profession, ask yourself how you can make your work less polluting and improve the health and well-being of yourself and your community. If you're an architect, a medical doctor, a health professional, or involved in environmental work, think about how you can incorporate climate and health conversations into your work. Depending on your role, asking yourself how you can make your world healthier and greener is a very important action.

Of course, it differs from person to person. You don't have to be an activist, an advocate, or part of an NGO to make a difference. It's the small actions that count. Recognising the importance of these issues and understanding what you can do on a personal level are key. Contributing to resilience is what truly matters.

Nolita: This is the key issue that truly matters: how can we make our societies more resilient? As individuals, how can we become more resilient to the risks we face? How can we improve the infrastructure and systems we live in to make them more resilient to health and climate impacts? This is the most important discussion we need to be having because numerous consequences are at stake. We can contribute to this resilience on a daily basis from our own perspectives.

A collaborative approach is essential. What systems, networks, and groups are out there taking action in a specific area you care about? How can you join them and bring your perspective to the table? Collaborative action is the way forward. It's about contributing to resilience.

Saad Uakkas, thank you so much for joining us today and for this engaging discussion. Thank you also to our listeners for tuning in to the Club of Rome podcast. For more information, please visit our website at clubofrome.org.