Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is critical to mitigate the significant human costs associated with extreme heat. The World Health Organization (WHO) is combating climate change through the Alliance for Transformational Change in Climate and Health (ATACH). The organization provides countries with technical and policy support to aid the health sector and communities in adapting to climate-related risks. In collaboration with the health sector, the WHO enhances governance, preparedness, and response to the acute impacts of heatwaves. These objectives are achieved by developing heat action plans, early warning systems, and emergency response plans that identify risk areas, vulnerable groups, and available resources.
Further, these initiatives protect high-risk populations, including people in healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and public schools that lack access to cooling. Also, the WHO co-sponsors the Global Heat Health Information Network to promote knowledge sharing and solutions regarding extreme heat risks. And, the WHO collaborates closely with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to develop Heat Health Warning Systems or “HHWS.” For more information on the human costs associated with climate change, high temperatures, and heat waves, please see the references and links below.
References
- Lancet Countdown: Heat-related Mortality. 2023.
- Zhao et al., 2021 Global, regional, and national burden of mortality associated with non-optimal ambient temperatures from 2000 to 2019: a three-stage modeling study.
- Heat-related mortality in Europe during the summer of 2022.
- Hot weather and heat extremes: health risks. The Lancet.
“Founded in 1948, WHO is the United Nations agency that connects nations, partners, and people to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health.”
(Source: www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health)
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