Berglof: Climate change and human health are interlinked

The 2025 Finance in Common Summit has wrapped up in Cape Town, concluding a gathering that brought together global leaders, public development banks, and the private sector to discuss reshaping sustainable finance. One key theme that emerged from the summit was the interconnection between climate change and human health, with a focus on advancing global health infrastructure. CNBC Africa's Palesa Mofokeng had the opportunity to speak with Erik Berglof, Chief Economist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, to delve into some ways to promote and enhance global health infrastructure. In the interview, Berglof highlighted the critical importance of addressing the links between climate, nature, and human health. He emphasized that events like air pollution, heat shocks, and climate disasters demonstrate the urgent need to factor in health considerations when addressing these global challenges. Berglof pointed out that the recent pandemic underscored how nature can directly impact human health. He also highlighted the emerging issue of antimicrobial resistance in Africa, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and health. Moving forward, Berglof stressed the importance of integrating health considerations into climate and nature action to bolster the case for urgent and comprehensive responses to these intertwined global challenges. One of the key points Berglof highlighted was the need to make health infrastructure more carbon-efficient and resilient to climate change. He emphasized that investments in sectors like transport, energy, water, and digital infrastructure have a significant impact on human health, and must be designed with health considerations in mind. Berglof also advocated for viewing nature as critical infrastructure essential for sustaining life on Earth, urging a shift in mindset to prioritize nature investments. By recognizing the health co-benefits of investing in nature, resources can be mobilized more effectively for these crucial initiatives. In terms of solutions for mitigating adverse climate change impacts in Africa, Berglof outlined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's strategies. These include a focus on policy-based lending that integrates nature and health components, making investments more resilient to climate and nature threats. He emphasized the need to build resilience in Africa against climate-related challenges like floods and droughts, identifying the continent as a crucial area for directing resources towards nature investments. Berglof highlighted Africa as a global hotspot for biodiversity and nature, presenting a significant opportunity for impactful investments. Overall, the conversation with Berglof shed light on the intricate connections between climate change, nature, and human health, underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive approach to addressing these pressing global issues.