Did you know: climate action by health ministers can strengthen public health

Overview

WHO fact sheet with key message on climate change and health for ministers of health: Climate change will be the defining issue for health systems in the 21st century, interacting with all social determinants of health.

Why should health ministers care about the impacts of climate change?  

1. Climate change will bring new health challenges and exacerbate existing ones, making it more difficult to address national health priorities.
2. Unless we act, climate change will widen the health equity gap within and between countries.
3. Vital health infrastructure and systems may be damaged or overwhelmed as a result of unmitigated climate change.
4. The health system can protect public health from the worst effects of climate change.
   

What can national health ministries do to respond to climate change?

1. Ensure that health is represented in the negotiations at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
2. Assess the national health impacts of climate change and the health system’s level of preparedness.
3. Build health considerations in to national climate change adaptation plans (NAPs).
4. Maximise the health benefits from climate change policies in other sectors.
5. Lead by example by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the health sector.
6. Communicate the need for a strong national response to climate change, to protect public health.

Read More

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