WHO warns of climate change health impacts

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged world leaders to reach an agreement at COP21, shining light on the health implications of climate change.

“We need to make sure the world knows the Paris treaty is a public health treaty,” stated Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, Department of Public Health.

The WHO points out that climate and weather already exert strong influences on health.

Increased deaths in heat waves, and in natural disasters such as floods, as well as changing patterns of life-threatening vector-borne diseases such as malaria and other existing and emerging infectious diseases are observed.

These problems are set to worsen if nothing is done to halt continuing climate change.

The WHO estimates that there are over 7 million deaths caused by respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer attributable to air pollution. Particularly in cities, this will worsen with increasing climate change.

“The evidence is overwhelming: climate change endangers human health. Solutions exist and we need to act decisively to change this trajectory,” says Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General.

"If the countries agree to reduce greenhouse gas emissions ... all of those interventions to tackle the causes of climate change will result in benefits for our health," said Dr Neira in a statement.

"We are all at risk. Even in rich countries the risk will be heatwaves and polluted air," said Neira.

Neira points out that countries most at risk are those without the means to combat the impact of climate change.

"The most vulnerable, the poorest of the poorest are the ones that will be most affected because they don't have systems to cope with these increased risks."

In sub-Saharan Africa health clinics are already stretched to the limit treating diarrhoea, malaria and dengue fever.  An increase in the number of infections would worsen the situation.

The WHO is calling on all healthcare professionals to advocate for a healthier and more sustainable future.

They hope to gather 5,000 signatures in support of an agreement being reached at COP21.