Belém Health Action Plan proposes climate response with a focus on justice and equity
Ahead of COP30, the initiative presented at the Global Conference on Health and Climate relies on evidence, innovation, and social participation to strengthen resilient health systems
Grounded in principles of climate justice and health equity—and recognizing that the impacts of climate change are unequal and require targeted responses—the Brazilian Ministry of Health presented the draft of the Belém Health Action Plan, in anticipation of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will be held in Belém this November.
The draft plan, introduced on the first day of the 5th Global Conference on Health and Climate, invited experts, government representatives, international organizations, and civil society to contribute to a document that aims to become a global reference for strengthening climate-resilient health systems.
“It is undeniable that we are facing a climate emergency, and that it affects people’s health. Brasil is bringing this plan forward now as a central element of the global climate agenda because health can provide solutions,” stated Mariângela Simão, Secretary for Health and Environmental Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, who coordinated the initiative.
Simão also called for a collective effort under the spirit of COP30 in the realm of health, explaining that the working groups are expected to deliver concrete contributions to the Plan, define country responsibilities, and outline strategic pathways to make health a pillar of the global climate response.
The Brazilian plan is structured around three main pillars:
Surveillance and Monitoring – Aims to strengthen health surveillance systems to effectively respond to climate-related threats, such as vector-borne disease outbreaks and mental health impacts from extreme weather events.
Evidence-Based Policy Strategy – Seeks to accelerate the implementation of proven solutions by fostering cooperation among governments, academic institutions, civil society, and other key actors.
Innovation and Production – Proposes investments in research and technology to develop solutions tailored to the specific needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Youssef Nassef, Director of Adaptation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), praised the content of the Plan, highlighting its emphasis on equity and the strong support it received. He reaffirmed the UNFCCC’s commitment to ensuring its implementation. “Another positive aspect of the presentation is the expectation of continuity. This is not just a major announcement that will disappear afterward. It is essential to follow up and ensure that promises made are fulfilled. That’s very encouraging,” he said, also noting concerns about financing.
Social Participation
In addition to technical aspects, the plan emphasizes social participation, with a special focus on historically marginalized populations. Representatives from these groups were present and contributed to enriching the draft.
“It’s not enough to develop a plan that merely mentions the effective participation of Indigenous peoples, Quilombolas, and women. It is essential to ensure that the knowledge of these communities is integrated as a key component of a strategic solution,” emphasized Ângela Kaxuyana of the Coordinating Office for Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB).
“The Quilombola population is essential for preserving the forest and all of Brasil’s biomes. We are guardians of biodiversity. The Amazon is also Black. Data show that over the past 40 years, Quilombola territories have preserved 97% of their native vegetation. Yet, 94% of Quilombos face land and water conflicts,” recalled Sandra Andrade, of the National Coordinating Office for Black Rural Quilombola Communities (CONAQ). She also called for greater integration of Brasil’s Unified Health System (SUS) in these territories.
Academic communities were also invited to contribute, with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) standing out as a key representative from Brasil. Speaking on behalf of the institution, its president, Mário Moreira, emphasized the importance of integrating environmental factors into public health strategies: “From a public health standpoint, we must recognize that contemporary strategies can no longer afford to neglect the environmental dimensions of health,” he stated. He also took the opportunity to announce progress in establishing a Synthesis Center focused on Health, Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution.
Further Deliverables
Mariângela Simão also announced plans for two additional deliverables. A support document summarizing the Evidence on Public Policies for Climate and Health, a synthesis report on Social Participation, Climate Adaptation, and Health — a document analysis highlighting key experiences, lessons learned, and strategies to strengthen participatory processes, with a focus on Black, Indigenous, traditional, and local communities.
Translation: Luana Ferreira de Freitas (POET/UFC)
Proofreading: Tadeu Azevedo (POET/UFC)