Ahead of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku (COP29), the World Health Organization (WHO) calls for an end to reliance on fossil fuels and advocates for people-centred adaptation and resilience. Launching the COP29 special report on climate and health and a technical guidance on Healthy Nationally Determined Contributions , WHO urges world leaders at COP29 to abandon the siloed approach to addressing climate change and health. It stresses the importance of positioning health at the core of all climate negotiations, strategies, policies and action plans, to save lives and secure healthier futures for present and future generations.
"The climate crisis is a health crisis, which makes prioritizing health and well-being in climate action not only a moral and legal imperative, but a strategic opportunity to unlock transformative health benefits for a more just and equitable future," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "COP29 is a crucial opportunity for global leaders to integrate health considerations into strategies for adapting to and mitigating climate change.
WHO is supporting this work with practical guidelines and support for countries." Bold health argument for climate action Developed by WHO in collaboration with over 100 organizations and 300 experts, the COP29 special report on climate change and health identifies critical policies across three integrated dimensions – people, place and planet. The report outlines key actions aiming to .