Climate change
The global climate is changing. This affects human health, well-being and life on earth. In the near future it will lead to an amplification of current health problems, as well as new risks and pressures for the environment and the social and economic determinants of health. In the WHO European Region, health effects have already been observed from more frequent and intense extreme weather events as well as changes in the the geographic range of some infectious disease vectors. WHO/Europe works to identify policy options to help prevent, prepare for and respond to the health effects of climate change, and supports its Member States in selecting and implementing the most suitable policies, measures and strategies.
Top story
WHO accelerates preparedness and response for natural disasters
Between 1990 and 2015, over 1300 natural disasters in the WHO European Region affected over 30 million people and killed over 150 000. Earthquakes, flooding and heat waves have both immediate and long-term impacts on people’s lives. In this second in a series of features on humanitarian response – to events such as floods, earthquakes, heat waves, nuclear accidents and armed conflicts – we look at WHO/Europe’s work preparing for and responding to natural disasters as part of the new Health Emergencies Programme.
News
- WHO accelerates preparedness and response for natural disasters
- Public health advice issued following flash floods in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
- Decarbonisation – Zero emission mobility starts now!
New publication
Implementing the European Regional Framework for Action to protect health from climate change. A status report
More publications
International projects
- CEHAPIS – Climate, environment and health action plan and information system
- Protecting health from climate change: a 7-country initiative in the eastern part of the WHO European Region
- EUPORIAS – European provision of regional impacts assessments on seasonal and decadal timescales
- IMPACT2C – Quantifying projected impacts under the 2°C warming scenario
Key policy documents
- Parma Declaration on Environment and Health (2010)
- Protecting health in an environment challenged by climate change: European Regional Framework for Action (2010)
In countries
Testing preparedness for climate-change-related emergencies in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
More country work
Multimedia
Video: Climate change and health
Health in mitigation and adaptation policies
Comprehensive long-term strategies for minimizing the risks associated with climate change require the combination of planned adaptation and mitigation of climate change. WHO/Europe promotes policies that integrate health in mitigation and adaptation interventions.
Read moreData and statistics
Floods in the European Region affected 3.4 million people and killed more than 1000 between 2000 and 2011. Projected climate-related increases in precipitation are likely to make floods more frequent and severe.
Read data and statistics
