IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha

2021 report of Climate and Health in China: Three major takeaways from a Lancet study

On 7 November 2021, the Lancet Public Health journal, maintained by Lancet Countdown Regional Center led by Tsinghua University, published a study that assessed the climate and health policies of China in 2021. The study was conducted by 88 researchers from various institutions in and out of China. The researchers segregated their data into five major domains: climate change impacts, exposures, and vulnerability; adaptation, planning, and resilience for health; mitigation actions and health co-benefits; economics and finance; and public and political engagement. These five domains were further analyzed through 25 indicators for provincial and national level data. This 2021 study is the first report from a series of annual updates. The extensive data and its analysis can be understood through three major takeaways.

First, China is facing increased health risks caused by climate change.
The report confirmed the fear rising through 2020 that health-related threats are increasing in China due to climate change. The year has seen more than 92 percent increase in heatwave caused deaths since the 1986-2005 period. Heatwave exposures have also risen from 4 days to 51 days. Additionally, 20 provinces in China saw increased exposure to wildfires from 2001-05 to 2016-20. The frequency and intensity of floods in China have also risen, as 2021 saw the worst floods in recent Chinese history. Although the emergency response systems have helped reduce the number of deaths through these events, the social and economic costs of large-scale deaths and damages hit hard. The paper cites the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that has announced health threats from climate change are only to increase in coming decades even if the temperature rise is limited to 1.5 degrees celsius through mitigation efforts. Considering every province in China faces specific and different health threats like heat-related mortality, flood and drought, the paper emphasizes health adaptation. It recommends tailoring practices based on expected threats to mitigate the anticipated consequences.

Second, China has made mixed progress in climate change response.
The paper finds that the pandemic and China’s announcement of carbon neutrality goals have raised awareness amongst the Chinese public regarding climate change. However, this awareness is not entirely capable of stopping climate change effects in China. The paper also assessed the progress made by each province in health emergency management, urban space growth and local adaptation and planning. 12 out of 30 provinces have completed or are about to complete such plans while 18 provinces have enhanced their urban green space, an important heat adaptation measure. However, a similar initiative is missing at the national level. Further on, the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention does not list mitigating health effects caused by climate change as one of its priorities. China has continuously worked to clean its energy and control air pollution, more so since its announcement of achieving its carbon emission peak by 2030. However, 98 percent of Chinese cities still have PM concentrations more than the WHO suggested standards. 

Third, China has tactfully utilized the pandemic era for improvements in the system.
The paper finds that Chinese policymakers have deliberated and reflected on the current and predicted state during the pandemic era. Hence, China has taken many measures that make good use of the lockdowns and global economic slowdown. The establishment of the National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention signifies that the priorities have shifted from merely managing and avoiding diseases to promoting health as well. Policymakers are also working on the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035 which will take off from short-term economic recovery to long-term carbon neutrality. Further, the paper also recommended four proposals to enhance the response to climate change and health issues in China. First off, the paper recommends systematic inter-departmental cooperation in mitigating health threats arising from climate change and limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees. For instance, the health care sector should be represented in corporate and policy actions. Secondly, increase assessments of health impacts of climate change and construct national and provincial adaptation programs. These programs need to have goals and timelines. The assessments should recognize vulnerable points and an annual discussion on Healthy China Work Priorities is suggested. Thirdly, strengthening China’s climate change response by reaching carbon neutrality and promoting coal-phaseout are important for a healthy and low-carbon future. And lastly, the paper recommends increasing awareness of the connection between climate change and health. Local and national discussions take place only from an outsider perspective while the need is to gain a community perspective. 

The paper recognizes that whatever focus has been given to the field is only post-pandemic and hence, the paper lauds China for “seizing the window of opportunity.”

The report is a detailed work that studies progress and current state in most provinces through categorized indicators. Hence, the paper identifies huge gaps in the climate and health policies of China despite recent efforts at bridging the same. The paper represents a holistic view of health through the prism of climate change, rather than viewing both as completely separate fields. A green recovery package is required in China to emerge from the pandemic without causing further damage to the climate. In its energy crisis and power shortages, China’s journey to recovery will set its path for the decade. This necessitates a greener recovery pattern. Dialogue has started. However, appropriate implementation of macroeconomic policies also need to be brought to the front in the interest of climate and public health.

References:
Wanjia Cai, Chi Zhang, Shihui Zhang, et al., “The 2021 China report  of the  Lancet Countdown  on  health and climate change: seizing the window of opportunity,” Lancet Public Health Policy, 7 November 2021

IN BRIEF
By Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok 

REGIONAL
14th round of talks held between India and China at Moldo meeting point
On 12 January, the Indian and Chinese military commander discussed the withdrawal of troops from the contested area after 20-month stand-off. This is the 14th round of talks between India and China. On 11 January, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin said: “We hope the Indian side can work with China and strive to switch from emergency response to normalized management and control in the border area as soon as possible.” According to The Associated Press noted that the commander-level talks are taking place after a three-month gap wherein China accused India of “unreasonable and unrealistic demands, adding difficulties to the negotiations.” (“Indian, Chinese army commanders discuss border impasse,” The Associated Press, 12 January 2022)

INTERNATIONAL
Opposition in Lithuania raises concern against government’s anti-China stand
On 13 January, Global Times reported that the local media and politicians in Lithuania condemned the government’s decision to support Taiwan and adopt an anti-China position in its foreign affairs. According to the report, the local media in Lithuania reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Mantas Adomenas had accused the Foreign Ministry of not accurately predicting China’s response to its action of strengthening relations with Taiwan. Adomenas observed that the Ministry was prepared for a harsh response from China but did not expect it to act on Lithuania’s trading partners in Europe. There is also growing opposition within the country over the issue of renaming the “Taiwan Representative Office.” (“Lithuanian govt faces growing domestic opposition over anti-China policy,” Global Times, 13 January 2022)

Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan comments on the instability in the country
On 12 January, the Chinese Ambassador to Kazakhstan addressed the interviewers at Global Times and remarked that the instability in the Central Asian region was caused by certain foreign powers who provoked the insecurities and vulnerabilities. He expressed China’s willingness in promoting cooperation with the law-enforcements and security departments in Kazakhstan and deepen bilateral cooperation by countering external interference and safeguarding the political system. (“Exclusive: Some forces unwilling to see peace and stability in Central Asia, says Chinese envoy to Kazakhstan, Global Times, 12 January 2022)

Chinese Ambassador to the US address National Hockey League and extends invitation for Winter Olympics
On 13 January, Global Times reported that the Chinese Ambassador to the US addressed the National Hockey League match between Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins and hoped for a healthy and wonderful game by the American and Chinese teams at the Winter Olympics Games. Ambassador Qin quoted Mario Lemieus and said: “Every day is a wonderful day for ice hockey.” He also referred to the upcoming Olympic games and said: “I hope there will be plenty of goals for both Chinese and US teams, and I wish them good luck.” (“Chinese Ambassador to the US delivers video message in NHL game, expecting wonderful performance of Chinese and US hockey teams in Beijing, Global Times, 13 January 2022)

China and GCC issue joint statement showing increasing mutual cooperation
On 12 January, Global Times reported that China and the Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint statement that indicates potential strategic partnership, promotion of a Free Trade Agreement and implementation of a free trade area. The statement was released due to the efforts of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Secretary General of the GCC Nayef bin Falah Al-Hajraf. Further, the forign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iman and Bahrain are visiting China in the current week. The meetings highlighted that the GCC appreciates China’s significant role and influence in global affairs. The two sides agreed that bilateral cooperation can be increased and the time is right for a strategic partnership. Enhancing trade through FTAs is an integral part of the current talks. (Cao Siqi and Wan Hengyi, “China, Gulf countries pledge advancing partnership, FTA talks,” Global Times, 12 January 2022)

Chinese foreign minister meets Turkish counterpart to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties
On 13 January, Global Times reported that the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Turkish counterpart Melvut Cavusoglu in a meeting that suggested positive mutual cooperation. The meeting was held to mark the 50 years of diplomatic ties between Turkey and China. Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged that true multilateralism and coordination can be strengthened. Foreign Minister Melvut also emphasized the support from Turkey to China being the first country to sign BRI. Additionally, he also wished China best wishes for the upcoming Winter Olympics in February. He opposed the politicization of sports. Both countries also signed local currency swap arrangements that opened pathways for bigger projects and exchanges between firms. (Fan Anqi and Yu Xi, “Turkish FM meets with Wang Yi, wishes Beijing 2022 Olympics success as in 2008,” Global Times, 13 January 2022)

US State Department publishes a research paper on Beijing’s claims over South China Sea
On 12 January, the US State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs published a research paper on the “unlawful” claims made by Beijing in the South China Sea. The paper reads: “The overall effect of these maritime claims is that the PRC unlawfully claims sovereignty or some form of exclusive jurisdiction over most of the South China Sea.” It points out that the claims made by China “gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and numerous universally recognized provisions of international law reflected in the Convention”. The paper clearly mentions that the historical claims made by China had “no legal basis.” (“US lays out detailed case against China's South China Sea claims,” The Strait Times, 13 January 2022)