Energy prices are unpredictable, and supply chains are struggling. Recent geopolitical events have made it clear: relying on fossil fuels is risky for economies, politics, and health. Over the past decade, global temperatures have risen sharply, with Europe heating up at twice the global average. This rapid warming puts us closer to reaching critical points that could lead to severe environmental changes. We have a limited time to act to avert lasting damage.
In this context, the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health has released a Call to Action. Chaired by former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the commission includes 13 leaders from various sectors across the 53-member WHO European Region. Their message is urgent: climate change is not a future issue; it’s a pressing crisis impacting health, food, water, energy, and security. We must respond appropriately.
A Smart Investment
The Commission outlines 17 recommendations focused on four main areas: recognizing climate change as a health security threat, transforming health systems, boosting local initiatives, and reforming economic systems that contribute to the climate crisis. Their call to action emphasizes that the current focus on insufficient measures is not enough—we need serious financial and political shifts now.
Katrín Jakobsdóttir stressed, “This is not just a future problem. It’s a current threat. Taking action now is an investment in a fairer, more resilient society.”
The Commission urges governments to treat climate and health as key topics in national security discussions. As Europe reallocates spending toward security amid geopolitical tensions, it’s vital to recognize that climate change itself is a significant security risk. It disrupts vital infrastructures and threatens access to food and water, with costs spiraling as inaction continues.
Fossil fuel pollution leads to hundreds of thousands of premature deaths each year in the region. The same fuels driving the climate and health crisis make energy systems unstable, impacting those least capable of absorbing the costs. Transitioning to renewable energy not only addresses climate and health issues but also promotes energy security and economic fairness.
Why Action Matters
Failing to act costs far more than investing in preventive measures. Redirecting funds from fossil fuel subsidies to renewables, public transportation, and resilient health systems can save lives and reduce reliance on volatile energy imports.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, pointed out, “Climate change is a security threat, a health crisis, and an economic time bomb. Governments are spending billions on fossil fuels that harm our health systems. The message is clear: we need to act while we still can.”
A Public Health Emergency
The Commission also urges the WHO to declare climate change a public health emergency. Current health regulations are outdated, primarily addressing short-term epidemics rather than a long-term threat like climate change. This misunderstanding has led to complacency, treating climate change as a background issue instead of an urgent concern.
Strengthening Health Systems
To bolster health system resilience, the Commission recommends mandatory training for health professionals on climate change, increased focus on mental health, and integrating climate-related indicators into health assessments. Many emissions from healthcare come from supply chains, so adopting climate-friendly procurement standards is essential.
Community-Led Solutions
The Commission encourages local and community initiatives to fight climate change. By sharing knowledge and holding local leaders accountable, communities can develop effective strategies to respond to climate impacts.
Professor Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Commission, noted, “Climate change is affecting health in multiple ways. However, addressing it can also promote health. The key now is implementing these solutions widely.”
Rethinking Progress
The Commission asks governments to reconsider how they measure success. GDP favors fossil fuel consumption as economic growth while ignoring the health costs of pollution and climate-related disasters. There’s a need for new metrics prioritizing health, equity, and environmental sustainability in decision-making.
Their recommendations include a Progress Measures Dashboard to track progress in addressing these critical issues across nations.
For further information, you may visit WHO.
