•The UN Secretary's remarks come after the global health community united to demand an end to fossil fuel dependency at COP 28.
•Africa Director Pandemic Action Network Aggrey Aluso said ending fossil fuel dependence is a prerequisite for a healthier world.
Image: ANTONIO GUTERRES/ TWITTER
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he is saddened by the fossil fuel pollution which is melting away the planet.
Fossil fuel is natural fuel from coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Guterres who visited Antarctica said he was shaken standing on the ice as scientists also talk of how fast it is melting.
"It is profoundly shocking to stand on the ice of Antarctica and hear directly from scientists how fast the ice is melting. The cause is clear: fossil fuel pollution. Leaders at COP 28 must not let the hopes of people around the world for a sustainable planet melt away," he said.
The UN Secretary's remarks come after the global health community united to demand an end to fossil fuel dependency at COP 28.
The health community wrote an open letter to COP 28 President-Designate Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber.
They demanded that countries commit to an accelerated, just and equitable phase-out of fossil fuels as the decisive path to health for all at the annual UN climate conference.
The letter was supported by organisations that represent 46.3 million health professionals including the World Medical Association, World Federation of Public Health Association and International Council of Nurses.
Africa Director Pandemic Action Network Aggrey Aluso said ending fossil fuel dependence is a prerequisite for a healthier world.
"The climate change effects are choking our people and our planet, and on top of this, disease outbreaks will become more frequent increasing the risk of emerging pandemic threats," he said.
"We must take action now to prevent pandemics from taking hold, and part of addressing the root cause is reducing carbon emissions through an accelerated, fair, and just transition."
To add to the call, the weatherman on Monday issued a forecast saying certain parts of the country will experience more sunny dry conditions amid the ongoing heavy rains in most parts of the country.
The Meteorological Department said high temperatures above 30°C are expected to prevail in the Coastal region, Northeastern, Northwestern and some Southeastern lowlands.
"Southern regions still experiencing rain, while the north sees more sun and dry conditions. Nights in parts of Highland East Rift Valley will be chilly (<10°C)," the department said in a statement.
The update was a cumulative seven-day rainfall forecast for the period between Tuesday, November 28 and December 4, 2023.