Raising awareness and hence understanding the health effects of climate change will facilitate both behavioral change and societal support for actions needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It can also help engage health professionals in supporting mitigation and adaptation strategies that will improve health and reduce vulnerability.
WHO/Europe implements a wide range of activities on climate change and health. They include advocacy campaigns and multimedia products aimed at both policy makers and the general public; a comprehensive set of guidance notes, guidance, tools and training manuals; and engagement in climate forums to increase the importance of health issues on the climate agenda.
Climate change and COVID-19: two converging health crises and a common path forward
The COVID-19 response presents an opportunity to rethink how we can work together to respond simultaneously and more effectively to two global crises – climate change and the pandemic. The WHO Manifesto for a healthy recovery from COVID-19 proposes 6 prescriptions that support a long-term vision of improving public services, strengthening climate resilience and response capacities of health systems, as well as of a green and sustainable recovery.
Achieving health benefits from reducing carbon emissions
The transition to a carbon-free economy could bring a range of short- and long-term gains, including health benefits, that would provide further impetus for action on climate change. Multiple benefits of mitigation measures have been demonstrated for the WHO European Region using the Carbon Health Benefits of Reduction (CaRBonH) tool. If all Member States in the Region implemented the proposed actions and measures to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement, as outlined in their nationally determined contributions, the health co-benefits would include avoidance of 138,000 premature deaths per year, which could result in savings. from 244 to 564 billion dollars per year.
Preventing adverse health effects from heat
WHO/Europe provides a wide range of resources to support heatwave preparedness and response. WHO/Europe’s annual #KeepCool campaign includes short information videos for use on social media and fact sheets translated into many languages in the Region. They aim to increase advocacy for heat and health and build capacity to act effectively before, during and after extreme heat events to protect the public and reduce the burden on health systems.
European Climate and Health Observatory (Climate-ADAPT)
WHO/Europe works as a partner with the European Commission, the European Environment Agency and several other organizations to maintain the health component of the European Climate and Health Observatory. The Observatory aims to help countries prepare for and adapt to the impacts of climate change on human health by providing easy access to relevant information, including on European and national political contexts, the impacts of climate change on health in Europe, climate and health indicators, climate and health information systems and tools, climate early warning systems and health publications.