WHO, pan-European commission to combat the effects of climate change on health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched, in Reykjavik, a new pan-European commission dedicated to combating the effects of climate change on health. The initiative comes in the context of the intensification of climate crises with a major impact on the well-being of populations in the region. The commission is made up of 11 advisors, led by former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdottir, and aims to formulate pragmatic and cost-effective solutions for health systems affected by the climate crisis. "It is time to admit an undeniable truth: the climate crisis is a health crisis. It is already killing us and, without urgent action, the situation will get worse,” warned Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

• Objectives and directions for action

The commission will examine sustainable solutions for the health sector, from reducing waste and making healthcare facilities more energy efficient, to early warning systems for extreme weather events such as heat waves. According to the WHO: 1 in 3 deaths from heatwaves occur in the European region (which includes Russia and the former Soviet republics); 10% of the region's urban population lives in areas exposed to flooding.

• The health impacts of the climate crisis

Jakobsdottir drew attention to the seriousness of the situation: "Rising temperatures, air pollution and ecosystem degradation are already affecting the health and well-being of our communities." In 2022-2023, more than 100,000 people in 35 European countries died due to heat waves, according to data cited by the commission president.

The panel includes: Andrew Haines, senior scientific advisor, professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Hans Bruyninckx, former executive director of the European Environment Agency.