WHO aims to mitigate climate-related health risks in Europe.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has appointed a new commission to draw up recommendations on how to respond to health threats caused by climate change and to prevent damage to health. Its chairwoman, former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, is focussing on information. "The health of the planet is inextricably linked to the health of humanity," Jakobsdóttir said at the new commission's first meeting that was held on 11th June in Reykjavik.

WHO is focusing on Europe

The commission has a pan-European focus, as climate change has hit the WHO's European region hard with extreme heat, forest fires and floods, illnesses and mental health problems. It has had a particularly strong impact on vulnerable groups, including women and children, which has resulted in greater inequalities and weakening of social cohesion. According to the WHO, there is an urgent need for concerted action to prevent, prepare and respond to the risks of climate change.

More ambition and agility needed

The WHO's main intention in establishing the expert panel is to quickly implement health and climate protection measures. The commission wants to raise the political profile, awareness and commitment to implementing stronger measures to tackle the health impacts caused by climate change. Hans Kluge, the WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, has said that the window of opportunity for meaningful measures is closing very quickly. Investments in transforming the health sector are essential here. The resilience of healthcare systems to climate change must be increased, their carbon emissions reduced and sustainable practices promoted.

Call to action

The commission consists of eleven high-ranking members, it includes former German Health Minister Karl-Josef Lauterbach, and it sees itself as an independent body of experts, as no member of the commission holds a political office whilst working for the commission. Their task is to recruit sources of information, generate expertise, actively participate in the discussions and draw up recommendations for action. These recommendations are to be agreed upon by this December after two meetings and three virtual hearings, and a "call to action" will be presented to the 79th World Health Assembly in May 2026.

Do not forget climate threats

Geopolitical changes and ongoing economic weakness have brought new political narratives such as competitiveness, reducing bureaucracy and security to the forefront in the EU. Environmental issues are currently receiving less attention. The WHO's initiative seems timely against this background. German Social Insurance (DSV) and our supporting organisations are all working intensively on the health and social implications of climate change. You can find more information about this in our archive.