At COP27, WHO calls for health to be in the center of climate talks

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27) takes place these days. Climate talks at COP27 are pivotal to health. In the statement at COP27, the World Health Organization reminded the international community at COP27 that the climate crisis continues to exacerbate health problems and endanger lives.

Toward tackling the climate crisis, WHO believes the conference must conclude with progress on mitigation, adaptation, financing, and collaboration. At COP27, the world will have the opportunity to come together and reaffirm their commitment to the 1.5°C Paris Agreement.

At COP27, WHO set up an innovative health pavilion. Climate action will be placed at the center of discussions in order to address the health threat posed by climate change. People’s health is already being affected by climate change and will continue to do so unless urgent action is taken.

“Climate change is making millions of people sick or more vulnerable to disease all over the world and the increasing destructiveness of extreme weather events disproportionately affects poor and marginalized communities,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It is crucial that leaders and decision makers come together at COP27 to put health at the heart of the negotiations.”

Full statement by the WHO here

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