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
People in the European Region are at risk from diseases carried by vectors – both within the Region, and when travelling abroad. Individuals whose lives have been touched by these diseases, having caught them or through working with them, tell their stories.
News
- First WHO Conference on Health and Climate: Europe urges promoting health while mitigating climate change
- Balkans floods: clean-up underway
- WHO event at UN climate talks: What the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report means for health
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
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