Leading international health experts are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the climate crisis a global public health emergency, warning that failure to do so could result in millions of avoidable deaths. The demand comes from an independent pan-European commission on climate and health, which asserts that the escalating threat posed by climate change necessitates the highest level of health alert—designated as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration aims to catalyse a coordinated global response to one of the most pressing issues of our time.
An Urgent Call to Action
The commission’s report highlights the myriad ways in which climate change jeopardises health, including the rise of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, alongside the health ramifications of extreme weather events, global warming, food insecurity, and air pollution. These issues are not merely future concerns; they are present-day realities affecting populations worldwide. As the report is set to be presented to European ministers ahead of the WHO’s World Health Assembly, advocates for the declaration emphasise that immediate action is essential to mitigate the looming health crisis.
Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister of Iceland and chair of the commission, articulated the gravity of the situation in an interview, stating, “The climate crisis may not be a pandemic, but it is still a public health emergency that threatens humanity’s very health and survival.” The stark reality is that without swift and comprehensive action, the consequences could be catastrophic for millions.
The Health Implications of Climate Change
Sir Andrew Haines, chief scientific adviser to the commission and a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, stressed that continued high levels of greenhouse gas emissions will exacerbate health risks for both current and future generations. He warned that if emissions remain unchanged, we can expect increased cases of heat-related illnesses, greater incidences of flooding, and a surge in infectious diseases. The health sector has already seen a rise in adverse outcomes such as preterm births and food insecurity, all linked to climate change.
The commission’s message is clear: the time for action is now. Governments must cease fossil fuel subsidies, which are directly linked to an estimated 600,000 premature deaths annually in Europe alone. The report notes that European countries spend around €444 billion (£387 billion) each year on these subsidies, with some nations allocating more than 10% of their national health budgets to fossil fuel support. Jakobsdóttir described this approach as “a public health failure,” calling on health leaders to take a more proactive role in the climate dialogue.
Addressing Misinformation and Building Resilience
The report also advocates for efforts to combat climate change misinformation and the implementation of national climate health impact assessments. It draws attention to the mental health crisis stemming from climate anxiety, urging that the conversation be made personal. As Jakobsdóttir pointed out, “Climate change is not happening somewhere else, to someone else, in the future. It is shortening lives in European cities right now.”
To effectively respond to the challenges posed by a changing climate, healthcare systems must enhance their resilience. The report highlights the need for countries to evaluate the vulnerability of health facilities, particularly those located in flood-prone areas or unable to cope with extreme heat. Haines noted that even in temperate regions like the UK, many hospitals are not equipped to handle the temperature extremes predicted in future scenarios.
The Broader Implications of Inaction
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, responded to the commission’s recommendations by underscoring the broader implications of fossil fuel dependency. He stated that the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have illuminated the real consequences of energy reliance—not only in terms of financial costs but also in the strain placed on health systems and food supplies. Kluge posited that the necessity for climate action is not merely an environmental issue but encompasses health, security, and economic dimensions.
Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, echoed the report’s sentiments, asserting that the current state of the planet, characterised by numerous breaches of planetary boundaries, underscores the urgent need for a PHEIC declaration. He noted that the scientific evidence of public health threats directly stemming from climate change is overwhelming and demands immediate global attention.
Why it Matters
The call for the WHO to declare a climate crisis as a public health emergency is not just a regulatory formality; it is a vital step towards prioritising human health in the face of a rapidly changing environment. By recognising the interconnectedness of climate change and public health, leaders can galvanise international cooperation, mobilise resources, and implement policies that mitigate health risks while fostering sustainable practices. The future health of millions hinges on the actions taken today, making it imperative for governments, health leaders, and communities to unite in addressing this existential threat.
