One Health Activist Inspires the World with her Commitment to Climate Change
Kelly Dent, a passionate One Health activist, has been attending the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences of the Parties (UNFCCC COPs) since 2009, when the conference was held in Copenhagen. After a fifteen year journey of attending these conferences in different locations around the world, Dent has finally been given a reason to feel good: for the first time, the majority of countries have come together to formally declare their commitment to making a positive change in the climate.
The announcement of the countries’ commitment came about in November 2020, at the 25th UNFCCC COP in Dubai. Dent, who has been a staunch champion of One Health, an interdisciplinary movement which aims to connect human, animal, and environmental health, has been pushing for this declaration since she first attended the Copenhagen conference.
“I am elated to witness the commitment of so many countries to make a commitment to tackling climate change,” said Dent. “I have dedicated the last 15 years of my life to this cause and it is gratifying to see that the efforts are finally bearing fruit.”
The declaration made at COP25 is a milestone for the One Health movement, as it first and foremost recognizes the importance of the connection between human health and the environment. It also encourages nations to work together to solve the interrelated challenges posed by the climate crisis, such as deforestation, air pollution, land degradation, and water scarcity.
In addition, the declaration emphasizes the need to provide resources and capacity-building support to developing countries and vulnerable communities, so they can better adapt to the changing climate and improve their quality of life. This is especially pertinent, as the populations of these countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and they often lack the resources and knowledge to confront it.
The declaration also calls for the development of innovative solutions to climate change, such as the use of technology and the financing of clean energy projects. This is especially crucial, as countries will need to develop and implement new strategies to combat the climate crisis if they are to have any chance of success.
The announcement at COP25 was a big win for Dent, who has been fighting for the recognition of the One Health movement since 2009. With her dedication and passion, she has been able to inspire thousands of individuals and organizations around the world to join her in her quest to fight climate change.
Overall, the collective effort of the countries that attended the 25th UNFCCC COP in 2020 has been a momentous achievement. It was an important step towards the realization of Dent’s dream of a future where the health of humans, animals, and the environment are all balanced and connected.
“I am proud to have been a part of this moment,” said Dent. “It inspires me to continue my fight for a healthier and more sustainable world.”Kelly Dent has been a crucial figure in the One Health movement and her commitment to fighting climate change is a testament to her dedication and passion for the cause. Her work has not only been inspiring for the individuals and organizations she has worked with, but it has also been a source of hope for the entire world. With Dent’s leadership, we can all have faith that the future of the planet and our health is in safe hands.
