The COP27 World Climate Change Conference has been taking place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, since last week. Scientists, politicians and stakeholders from all over the world are meeting to discuss the effects, risks and adaptation options of climate change.

This year, the focus is very much on people's health. In particular, the droughts and erosion caused by climate change, which make land infertile, will lead to an increase in malnutrition and famine in many countries. As a result, more deaths from starvation and a growing number of refugees are to be expected; by 2050, it is estimated that 250 million people will have to leave their country due to the climate and the associated food shortages. This will primarily affect countries in Africa and Asia.

The urgency of this fact is also reflected in the focal points of this year's World Climate Conference: on November 7, there was a large roundtable session on the topic of 'Food Security' and on November 8, one on the topic of 'Water Security'. In addition, there were Thematic Days entitled 'Adaptation & Agriculture' and 'Water'. During these days, discussions were held in particular on food security in developing countries. One session dealt explicitly with the challenges that need to be overcome in Africa. Previous successes and solution strategies of various national and international programs were presented and further approaches were discussed.

Africa was also a key topic on the 'Thematic Day' 'Water'. For example, in the session 'Climate Adaptation for Water Sector in Africa', success stories for sustainable water management in Africa were presented and the possibilities of adapting them to other regions were discussed.

In addition to malnutrition as a health problem caused by climate change, there were many other contributions focusing on the threat to the human body. An entire 'Health Pavilion', in which health topics were discussed for several hours each day, was available for this purpose.

We have followed many of the discussions with increasing concern, but have also recognized opportunities where we can intervene and help with Artemed Stiftung .