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
Keep cool this summer to protect your healthThis week, WHO/Europe launches its 2021 #KeepCool campaign, helping advise communities and decision-makers on ways to stay healthy in the heat and adapt for increased temperatures in the future.
Addressing climate change and health in the Europe and Central Asia region
This Joint Value Proposition by UNDP and WHO provides an overview of key thematic and programmatic entry points toward strengthening national health adaptation and mitigation capacities.
Read the Joint Value PropositionNew publication
Heat and health in the WHO European Region: updated evidence for effective prevention (2021)
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)
Multimedia
Video: Keep cool in the heat
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
