Its objectives are to empower the health and sustainable development communities to enhance resilience and protect health from climate change; identify the health benefits associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and support health-promoting climate change policies.

Since 2008, WHO has provided leadership by raising awareness of the threats posed by climate change to health. Specifically, WHO has provided evidence, technical guidance and piloted approaches to protect health from climate risks.

There is now an urgent need to pursue a more concrete and systematic approach to implementing health protection, led by the health community, in coordination with others. (SDF/KH)