The climate crisis is one of the greatest threats to global health, and health professionals have a critical role to play in addressing its impacts. The World Health Organization (WHO) is issuing a call to action, urging healthcare workers to recognize the links between climate change and health and to take a proactive stance. As WHO prepares to present its Special Report on Climate & Health at COP29, it highlights the urgent need for the healthcare community to advocate for stronger climate policies and sustainable practices to protect the health of both people and the planet.
Climate Crisis: A Dire Health Emergency
The intersection of climate change and public health is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and worsening air quality are not just environmental concerns but are directly contributing to a public health emergency. According to WHO, the climate crisis is already responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year, with the potential to cause millions more in the coming decades if immediate action is not taken.
Air pollution, heatwaves, extreme storms, floods, and droughts are worsening, leading to an increase in respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those in low-income regions, are particularly at risk. The changing climate is also contributing to the spread of infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and cholera as shifting ecosystems create new breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors.
WHO has long recognised the critical links between climate change and health. As climate change accelerates, it exacerbates pre-existing health inequalities and puts unprecedented strain on healthcare systems, especially in regions that are already struggling with limited resources. This is why WHO is urging health professionals to take an active role in addressing this crisis, both by advocating for policy changes and by implementing sustainable practices within the healthcare sector.
WHO’s Special Report on Climate & Health at COP29
At COP29, WHO will present its Special Report on Climate & Health, a document aimed at providing negotiators with concrete evidence of the health impacts of climate change and the urgent need for action. The report emphasizes the idea that protecting health should be at the center of climate change negotiations. As countries work towards achieving their climate goals, safeguarding human health must be a key priority in discussions on energy transitions, adaptation strategies, and mitigation measures.
The Special Report includes a list of demands for policymakers, designed to address the health impacts of climate change. These demands call for:
- Stronger Climate Policies: WHO urges countries to adopt more aggressive carbon reduction strategies, emphasizing that the health co-benefits of these policies—such as reduced air pollution and fewer deaths from heatwaves—are immense.
- Investment in Resilient Healthcare Systems: The report highlights the need for more resilient health systems that can withstand the shocks of climate change, including stronger infrastructure, better emergency preparedness, and climate-proof healthcare facilities.
- Phasing Out Fossil Fuels: The burning of fossil fuels is the largest driver of climate change and a major source of air pollution, responsible for millions of deaths each year. WHO calls for a rapid transition to clean, renewable energy sources to mitigate these deadly impacts.
- Global Cooperation on Health and Climate: The climate crisis knows no borders, and international collaboration is crucial. WHO encourages nations to work together on shared strategies to protect health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, which are disproportionately affected by climate impacts.
- Education and Awareness: Raising public awareness of the health risks associated with climate change is essential. WHO’s report calls for more education initiatives, targeting both the public and policymakers, to emphasize the immediate health benefits of climate action.
Health Professionals: Your Voice is Critical
WHO is not only presenting this report to policymakers but is also inviting health professionals around the world to have their say and actively participate in shaping a healthier future. As trusted figures within their communities, health professionals have a unique ability to advocate for the urgent need to tackle climate change, helping to communicate the message that a healthy planet is essential for healthy people.
WHO encourages doctors, nurses, public health specialists, and all healthcare workers to engage in climate activism and policy advocacy. Whether through local or global platforms, health professionals can play a vital role in emphasizing the human toll of climate inaction and the potential health benefits of rapid climate mitigation efforts. By joining this movement, health professionals can influence both public opinion and policy, helping to drive meaningful change.
Moreover, WHO urges healthcare professionals to implement sustainability practices within their own organizations. Hospitals and healthcare facilities can be significant contributors to carbon emissions through energy use, waste production, and resource consumption. By adopting sustainable practices—such as reducing energy consumption, promoting green healthcare, and minimizing waste—healthcare systems can lead by example in the fight against climate change.
A Healthier Future for All
As WHO prepares to take a stand at COP29, the organization’s message is clear: the climate crisis is a health crisis, and addressing it is crucial to ensuring a healthier future for all. The Special Report on Climate & Health will serve as a pivotal document for negotiators, providing the evidence and demands necessary to prioritize human health in climate discussions.
By working together—governments, health professionals, and communities—the world can not only slow the progression of climate change but also protect millions of lives from its most devastating health impacts. WHO’s call to action reminds us that every step toward climate action is a step toward a healthier, safer world for future generations.
It is time to act now, and health professionals are at the forefront of this fight.
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