The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged world leaders to make health a primary focus of climate action, urging a shift away from fossil fuels and a move toward resilience-centered policies at the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku.
This demand accompanies the release of WHO’s COP29 special report on climate and health, co-developed with over 300 experts, aiming to shift from a “siloed approach” to integrating health fully in climate plans.
“The climate crisis is a health crisis,” emphasized WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “COP29 is a chance for leaders to embed health within strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change.”
The report stresses that climate policies should center on “people, place, and planet,” particularly to shield the 3.6 billion people in highly climate-vulnerable areas.
Key recommendations include phasing out fossil fuel reliance, ensuring climate finance supports healthcare systems, and promoting sustainable urban design and biodiversity protection. Addressing these aspects is essential, WHO notes, to curb pollution-related health issues and safeguard future generations.
“By prioritizing health in every aspect of climate action, we unlock significant benefits,” said Dr. Maria Neira, WHO’s director of environment and climate change. Citing recent studies, the report also identifies five priority interventions, from heat-health warning systems to clean household energy, which could save up to two million lives annually while delivering economic benefits.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed WHO’s call, stating, “The climate crisis is also a health crisis. COP29 must drive progress toward protecting both planetary and human health.” Dr. Vanessa Kerry, WHO’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health, reinforced the urgency of the moment, noting, “Health must be at the heart of climate action. We can’t afford to wait.”