Global collaboration to support vulnerable nations heavily affected by an additional 250,000 deaths caused by climate change is essential to prevent the collapse of health systems, experts said ahead of the first dedicated health day at a Cop summit.
A package of solutions lined up to address the climate resource gap for highly vulnerable, fragile, and conflict-affected communities will be discussed as part of the Relief, Recovery, and Peace Day on December 3.
Finance and emerging technology are opportunities to scale up health services in countries in the firing line of climate change, and those most affected by displacement of communities, conflict and instability.
Dr Shyam Bishen, head of the Centre for Health and Healthcare at the World Economic Forum, said financing to protect vulnerable health systems should be central to talks.
Premature death because of air pollution is the highest killer in the world right now. Finally, the world is realising it's time to focus on this issue
Dr Shyam Bishen,
World Economic Forum
“Presidencies before this have been focused on decarbonisation and net zero, which is obviously critically important,” Dr Bishen said.
“Now we are seeing the big impact of climate change on human health, and finally the health agenda is there [at Cop].
“Whether it's infectious diseases, an increase in vector-borne diseases like Zika and Dengue and others, or the impact of respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and lung cancer.
“We know up to seven million people are now dying of air pollution because of climate change.”
Data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) exposed the intricate connection between climate change and global health. A staggering 3.6 billion people currently inhabit regions highly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
In January at the WEF annual meeting in Davos, the Centre for Health and Health Care launched a climate and health initiative working closely with the WEF Centre for Nature and Climate and philanthropic organisations, such as the Rockefeller Foundation, to find solutions to improve air quality.
“Premature death because of air pollution is the highest killer in the world right now,” Dr Bishen said.
“With air pollution, it's not just the impact on food production, but also water pollution and extreme weather events.
“This is having a big impact on human health, finally the world is realising it's time to focus on this issue.”
Millions more deaths
A long list of health complaints associated with climate change are driving an expected rise in mortality, with 250,000 more deaths forecast every year from 2030 to 2050 as a result of a changing environment.
But what makes us better is also slowly beginning to do us harm.
The healthcare industry itself is understood to be responsible for almost 6 per cent of all carbon emissions, and continues to pollute the world in which we live.
Pollution and suffocating smog that has claimed the lives of millions has forced the complex issue of climate-change-driven health issues to top the agenda.
“Climate change poses a significant public health crisis, with its immediate and prolonged consequences proving challenging to quantify,” said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman of Burjeel Holdings, one of the region’s largest healthcare groups.
“Healthcare professionals are observing manifestations of climate change on human health, including an increase in low-birth-weight babies, miscarriages, and medical cases involving children with impaired lung function due to air pollution.
“Additionally, there is a rise in patients experiencing inflammatory skin diseases linked to allergies, heat, and air pollution, exacerbation of symptoms in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, and reports of elevated cancer deaths associated with climate change.”
Millions of extra deaths are expected in the decades ahead, resulting from climate-induced undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress. These effects extend beyond the health sector, affecting critical areas such as agriculture, water, and sanitation.
Soaring health costs
Health-related costs resulting from climate change are expected to increase to as much as $4 billion a year by 2030, according to WHO projections.
“Strengthening healthcare infrastructure emerges as a pivotal aspect of health financing,” Dr Vayalil said.
“This involves enhancing healthcare worker capabilities, ensuring a consistent supply of medical resources and reinforcing the resilience of healthcare facilities.
“As we observe the escalating effects of climate change on health, the necessity for global collaboration has never been more evident.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the hottest years on record have all occurred since 2010.
This year, around the world, June and July experienced extremely high temperatures, possibly making July the hottest month recorded since 1850.
Across Africa, reduced access to water, sanitation and hygiene caused by climate change has placed 10 countries at high risk, with six of those also embroiled in conflict.
Clare Dalton, head of delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross, said conflict adds an extra layer of vulnerability to those affected by a changing environment.
"If essential infrastructure, water sanitation or electricity has been damaged by conflict, that is going to impact on people's access to services,” she said.
“Mozambique is a good example, as there is a history of low investment.
“There is marginalisation, and repeated tropical storms with people fleeing conflict.
“Electricity and water systems are often disrupted, and storms are increasing in severity and frequency.
“Early warning systems are not functioning as they should, which compounds the impact.”
Under pressure
Health professionals around the world are already dealing with the personal and clinical consequences of climate change.
Despite these challenges, optimism exists. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in robust healthcare systems, especially in family medicine and primary health care, can alleviate up to 90 per cent of the expected disease burden.
“The health impacts of climate change are both direct and indirect, triggering a detrimental cycle, jeopardising well-being and economic stability,” said Dr Mohammad Fityan, head of the weight management clinic at Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi.
“Focusing on prevention and promoting healthier lifestyles can simultaneously reduce our greenhouse gas footprint.
“This transformative effort addresses not only climate change but also the diseases we face today.
“Recognising this, policymakers must prioritise climate action.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
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RESULT
Liverpool 4 Southampton 0
Jota (2', 32')
Thiago (37')
Van Dijk (52')
Man of the match: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
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The years Ramadan fell in May
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The years Ramadan fell in May
'Morbius'
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona
Rating: 2/5
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Ukraine v Portugal, Monday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Read more about the coronavirus
Company Profile
Company name: OneOrder
Started: October 2021
Founders: Tamer Amer and Karim Maurice
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Industry: technology, logistics
Investors: A15 and self-funded
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Sui Dhaaga: Made in India
Director: Sharat Katariya
Starring: Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Raghubir Yadav
3.5/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Brief scoreline:
Toss: South Africa, elected to bowl first
England (311-8): Stokes 89, Morgan 57, Roy 54, Root 51; Ngidi 3-66
South Africa (207): De Kock 68, Van der Dussen 50; Archer 3-27, Stokes 2-12
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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SPEC SHEET
Display: 6.8" edge quad-HD dynamic Amoled 2X, Infinity-O, 3088 x 1440, 500ppi, HDR10 , 120Hz
Processor: 4nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/Exynos 2200, 8-core
Memory: 8/12GB RAM
Storage: 128/256/512GB/1TB
Platform: Android 12
Main camera: quad 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 108MP wide f/1.8, 10MP telephoto f/4.9, 10MP telephoto 2.4; Space Zoom up to 100x, auto HDR, expert RAW
Video: 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, full-HD@60fps, HD@30fps, super slo-mo@960fps
Front camera: 40MP f/2.2
Battery: 5000mAh, fast wireless charging 2.0 Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
I/O: USB-C
SIM: single nano, or nano and SIM, nano and nano, eSIM/nano and nano
Colours: burgundy, green, phantom black, phantom white, graphite, sky blue, red
Price: Dh4,699 for 128GB, Dh5,099 for 256GB, Dh5,499 for 512GB; 1TB unavailable in the UAE
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2
Vinicius Junior (71') Mariano (90 2')
Barcelona 0
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Zayed Sustainability Prize
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
The five pillars of Islam
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
First-round leaderbaord
-5 C Conners (Can)
-3 B Koepka (US), K Bradley (US), V Hovland (Nor), A Wise (US), S Horsfield (Eng), C Davis (Aus);
-2 C Morikawa (US), M Laird (Sco), C Tringale (US)
Selected others: -1 P Casey (Eng), R Fowler (US), T Hatton (Eng)
Level B DeChambeau (US), J Rose (Eng)
1 L Westwood (Eng), J Spieth (US)
3 R McIlroy (NI)
4 D Johnson (US)
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final, second leg (first-leg score)
Porto (0) v Liverpool (2), Wednesday, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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