Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health: Call to Action

The report frames climate change as an immediate public health threat for the pan-European region, with increasing impacts from heat, floods, droughts, food and water insecurity, vector-borne diseases, air pollution and mental health stress. From an adaptation perspective, the report calls for stronger climate-resilient health systems, better integration of health into adaptation and preparedness planning, and scaled-up local and community-based solutions. It also stresses that adaptation must prioritise vulnerable groups, use disaggregated data and involve affected communities in the design of measures, to reduce health inequalities and avoid maladaptation.

The report is prepared by the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health - an independent advisory body convened by the WHO Regional Office for Europe.