Militarisation is accelerating climate change, and both are harming human and planetary health. We need strong medical voices advocating and educating against this existential threat, argues Bimal Khadka
In December 2023, the 28th UN climate summit (COP28) set a landmark with the adoption of two new themes on “health” and “relief, recovery, and peace.”1 Almost 2000 health professionals attended, which reflected awareness that the climate crisis is a massive public health threat.2 They were advocating throughout the event to ensure human and environmental health are at the centre of decision making.
The conference had several fruitful outcomes, including calls to transition away from fossil fuel energy systems and the establishment of the Loss and Damage funds for vulnerable communities.34 But the conference lacked urgent action to phase out fossil fuels and failed to acknowledge the damage caused by global militarisation to people and the planet.5 We must condemn militarisation …