Video: Statement by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, 11-11-2021
WHO/Europe hosted a side event at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this week to promote health and policies that are good for the climate and for health. In particular, panellists from a range of organizations spoke of the need for a change in the policy environment and the necessary tools to take health-focused actions, such as reducing air pollution and promoting active mobility.
In the past 2 weeks, COP26 has been taking place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, working towards global agreement on increased climate ambition, building resilience and urgently lowering greenhouse gas emissions in order to reach “net zero” and limit global warming to 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels. WHO/Europe has been at COP26 to strengthen the position of the health argument for urgent action on climate change and to advocate for a healthy, green and just recovery from COVID-19 – both in the health sector and beyond.
Speaking on the panel at the COP26 side event, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said: “For the first time, health is a central science priority area. The COP26 Health Programme was established to bring stronger health focus and ambition to COP26”. Seven Member States from the WHO European Region have formally committed to the COP26 Health Programme, to develop climate resilient, low carbon, sustainable health systems.
“Immediate, strong and sustained reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change, although it could take at least 3 decades to see global temperatures stabilize. The good news, however, is that reducing emissions would immediately benefit our health through improved air quality. The urgency is clear,” explains Dr Kluge.
Climate change is already making itself felt
In just this year, the European Region has seen a number of extreme weather events that are directly linked to the changing climate – all of which have direct and indirect impacts on our health.
Earlier this year, floods in western Europe left hundreds dead, and we are seeing the effects of flooding in the Balkans right now. Floods leave behind a threat of infectious diseases and a severe impact on the mental health of those who may have lost loved ones or property.
Wildfires pose a range of direct health threats including smoke inhalation and injuries. Similar to flooding, wildfires cause serious damage to infrastructure and communities.
Heatwaves are a persistent threat to global health and pose a serious risk to older people, infants, those with chronic health conditions and people working outdoors. Italy reached a record-breaking 48.8 °C this year, understood to be a European record.
The climate-related health emergencies in the European Region are expected to become even more frequent and intense as a result of climate change. Globally, the effects are even more devastating and catastrophic, threatening food and water security, and exacerbating inequalities and the effects of poverty.
Working to tackle climate change
WHO/Europe continues to work closely with partners in government and across society to tackle the impacts of climate change. Through the European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany, WHO/Europe continues to provide Member States with evidence on the health impacts of climate change together with guidance and tools on health adaptation planning and the health co-benefits of mitigation.
In addition, the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development, convened on the initiative of Dr Kluge, focused on the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health – known as “One Health”. Commissioners called for coordinated action to tackle environmental risks to health, including those posed by climate change.