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Climate change

(Photo: WHO)


Climate change is already affecting human health, by causing new risks and pressures such as food shortages and hunger, alteration of water resources and damage to physical infrastructure (particularly by sea-level rise and extreme weather events). Economic activities, human settlements and human health will experience direct and indirect effects. The poor and disadvantaged are the most vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.

WHO/Europe works to identify policy options to help prevent, prepare for and respond to the health effects of these changes, and supports its Member States in selecting and implementing the most suitable strategies.