Health and Climate: Structural elements from the health sector for the phase-out of fossil fuels
The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels provides a platform for countries, subnational governments, and other stakeholders committed to advancing a just, orderly, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels, consistent with climate objectives and the best available science.
Health impacts are a compelling driver of this transition. At the same time, the health sector warrants focused attention to identify the conditions required to ensure the transition process itself is fair, inclusive, and equitable.
This event will convene stakeholders engaged in the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels to co-develop messages on the health sector’s role in supporting a just and equitable transition. It will position the health sector as a key contributor to the progressive phase-out of fossil fuels, highlighting the associated health co-benefits, the value of resilient health systems, and the sector’s contribution to an inclusive, evidence-based transition.
The program will feature case studies followed by moderated discussions to identify key insights, lessons learned, and practical recommendations. The event aims to foster focused exchange among participants and to deliver clear, actionable messages to inform the conference.
The event is co-organized by the Friends of Climate and Health, hosted by IISD, the Global Climate and Health Alliance, and the Lancet Countdown.
Agenda
(General sessions in Spanish, one workshop session in English and two in Spanish)
| Time | Topic | Agenda Item | Speaker |
| 11:00 – 11:10 | Registration and refreshment | ||
| 11:10 – 11:25 | Welcome and scene setting | Margarita Gutierrez, policy advisor for Friends of Climate and Health Group, IISD | |
| 11:25 – 11:35 | Welcome and workshop questions | Institutional welcome Workshop objectives and expected outcomes | Antonella Risso, Lancet Countdown LATAM |
| 11:35 – 12:10 | Workshop sessions | Pillar 1: Reducing economic dependence on fossil fuels Strategic question: How can the health community quantify and communicate the public health co-benefits of reducing fossil fuel dependence—such as improved air quality and reduced disease burden—to strengthen the case for economic diversification, just transitions, and economic and labour reconversion, while fostering shared responsibilities and commitments across sectors and stakeholders? | Moderator: Antonella Risso Case Study: Ministry of Health, Colombia – Health Adaptation Plan of Colombia and its relationship with transitioning away from fossil fuel sites |
Pillar 2: Transforming supply and demand Strategic question: How can healthy, sustainable consumption and production patterns support the energy transition and clean investments while providing evidence for healthier choices? The focus will be on subsidies and fuel substitution. | Moderator: Margarita Gutierrez Case Study: Ministry of Environment of the Province of Buenos Aires and its integrated work on circularity, health, and climate. | ||
Pillar 3: Strengthening international cooperation and climate diplomacy Strategic question: How can the health community strengthen its role in international climate and biodiversity processes by contributing evidence, advocacy, and joint actions that position health as a central pillar of climate diplomacy and multilateral cooperation? | Moderator: Milena Sergeera Case Study: Break the Fossil Fuel Influence, Global Climate and Health Alliance | ||
| 12:10 – 12:50 | Sharing main topics and key messages from workshop groups and setting the common message for the conference | 8-minute presentation for each pillar Question and final remarks Next steps | Margarita Gutierrez and Antonella Risso |
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