1.6M Lives Saved Annually
Implementing six climate and health measures could save nearly 1.6 million lives a year and generate significant economic benefits, according to a recent WHO study
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that implementing six climate and health measures could save nearly 1.6 million lives a year. The measures proposed include heat-health warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and cleaner household energy sources.
The proposed measures also include improved hand hygiene and climate-resilient infrastructure for drinking water and sanitation. These measures could help avoid 16.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
In addition to the health benefits, the measures could generate up to $5.4 trillion in fiscal benefits each year. They could also provide a nearly $4 trillion economic boost by saving lives, avoiding disasters, and reducing health care costs.
The WHO's report was released days before the COP31 climate change conference, which is set to take place in Turkey. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged global leaders to ensure that protecting health is at the center of climate action.
## Why it matters The implementation of these measures could have a significant impact on global health and the economy. The WHO's report highlights the importance of prioritizing health in climate action, as the climate crisis is a health crisis that can be prevented with existing tools. The report's findings suggest that scaling up proven, affordable actions could save millions of lives, with the greatest gains in the countries that need them most.
The COP31 climate change conference provides an opportunity for global leaders to discuss and implement these measures, which could lead to a triple dividend of healthier people, lower emissions, and stronger economies. As the world prepares to address the climate crisis, the WHO's report emphasizes the need to prioritize health and take concrete actions to prevent the harm caused by climate change.
