Advocating for joint action on climate change, the environment and health

The science is undeniable – climate change is real and its health impacts are already being felt across the Western Pacific Region. Serious health impacts caused by climate change include death, illness and injuries caused by extreme weather events, heat stress, waterborne and foodborne diseases, malnutrition, and the negative mental health impacts of people being displaced from their homes. Meanwhile increasing disasters and rising sea levels are threatening fragile healthcare facilities at the time they are needed most.

However, the health impacts of climate and environmental change cannot be dealt with by the health sector alone. WHO is therefore reaching out beyond the health sector to inspire the collective action needed to counter the climate crisis.