Global Climate Action And Public Health Initiatives: Advancing The Human Right To A Safe And Healthy Environment In West Africa

Abstract

Climate change has worsened poverty and increased vulnerability to public health
problems. Despite Africa’s vulnerability in the face of climate change, it has
contributed only a small fraction of global carbon emissions, with countries in the
Global North ranking as the highest emitters in the world. This is because Africa’s
level of industrialisation is still a long way off. Without doubt, the sub-region of West
Africa has been besieged by public health issues, post-COVID era, and this has
resulted in increased mortalities, especially in countries like Nigeria. Therefore, it has
become necessary to understand how global climate action can aid public health
initiatives, and promote the right to a safe and healthy environment in West Africa.
The study is a cross-national study that adopted a mixed-method approach, of
quantitative and qualitative analysis, where data visualisation and thematic analysis
were done on survey responses, and unstructured interviews, using tools like Looker
Studio and Taguette. There was a focus on Ghana and Nigeria, as these two countries
are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising temperatures,
shifting rainfall patterns, desertification, coastal erosion, and flooding. The study
examined how global climate action can drive public health initiatives, and promote
the right to a safe and healthy environment in West Africa. It was concluded that the
urgent need for global climate action can protect the right to a safe and healthy
environment and mitigate the public health problems in West Africa, especially when
it prioritises on public health initiatives.