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
Exploring synergies between health, climate change mitigation and nature conservation
Green infrastructure can function as a climate change adaptation measure that also promotes health and well-being. This is the message and opportunity being discussed at the 2017 European Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change, taking place on 27–29 June 2017 in Bonn, Germany. This year’s theme is “Biodiversity and health in the face of climate change”.
News
- Public health advice as heatwave continues across southern and central Europe
- Exploring synergies between health, climate change mitigation and nature conservation
- Day 3 of Environment and Health Conference: Commitments to advance the agenda in Europe
New publication
Urban green space and health: intervention impacts and effectiveness .Full report (2017)
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
