Advocating for Truth in Science: Discussing Climate Change and Health Honest Facts
The World Health Organization's Regional Director for Europe has invited a distinguished individual to chair the first-ever independent Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health. The commission's mission is to accelerate climate action that protects and promotes health, as the European region, the fastest-warming region in the world, grapples with the devastating effects of the climate crisis.
The commission aims to deliver actionable, practical, and measurable recommendations for policymakers by spring 2026. It will consult widely with various stakeholders, including scientists, public health agencies, civil society organizations, youth, and policymakers. The commission's work is expected to help guide business and policy development for positive impact.
The climate crisis is a health crisis, affecting all areas of health. It is causing floods, wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather events, leading to untold suffering and economic damages. The immediate health impacts are diverse and far-reaching.
**Heat-Related Illnesses and Death** Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death, particularly among older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Urban populations are especially vulnerable due to the heat island effect. Pregnant women, infants, seniors, and low-income minorities are disproportionately affected.
**Respiratory and Cardiovascular Problems** Climate change intensifies air pollution, especially during wildfires and high-temperature events. Exposure increases risks of asthma attacks, bronchitis, decreased lung function, and cardiovascular diseases. Wildfire smoke releases fine particulate matter and other pollutants, posing acute threats to respiratory health.
**Injuries and Fatalities from Storms and Floods** Floods, storms, and storm surges can cause drowning, injuries, and fatalities. They also damage infrastructure, making rescue and medical care more difficult. Extreme weather events can lead to acute stress, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially among those who lose homes or loved ones.
**Disruption of Healthcare Services** Floods and storms can destroy hospitals and clinics, damage diagnostic and treatment equipment, and force closures, delaying critical care. Disruptions in power supply can halt refrigeration for medications, disable life-saving equipment, and compromise sterile environments. Essential medications and treatments may not reach patients due to blocked transportation routes, leading to treatment interruptions and worsening health outcomes.
**Spread of Infectious Diseases** Changes in temperature and precipitation can expand the range of disease-carrying insects, increasing the risk of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Flooding can contaminate water supplies, leading to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illnesses.
The commission will assess the interconnected global and regional risks climate change poses to health, the consequences of inaction, and the opportunities to enhance health through robust mitigation and adaptation. If left unchecked, the erosion of public trust in climate science and health authorities could paralyze our collective ability to act, setting us up for disaster as the window for effective climate action narrows.
The commission, composed of 11 commissioners and a chief scientific advisor, will work to raise the profile of health in climate policy and the profile of climate in health policy. In Iceland, every glacier is retreating, and the marine ecosystem is shifting due to climate change. During the prime ministership of Iceland (2017-2024), the country introduced its first action plan on climate change and passed legislation committing to carbon neutrality by 2040.
The commission's work promises to be a significant step forward in addressing the climate crisis as a health crisis and in accelerating climate action that protects and promotes health across the European region.
- The commission, consisting of 11 commissioners and a chief scientific advisor, is expected to guide business and policy development towards carbon neutrality, aligning with the efforts of countries like Iceland, which has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
- Recognizing the devastating effects of climate change on health, the commission aims to deliver practical recommendations for policymakers, addressing issues such as carbon emissions, air quality, and health-and-wellness.
- To address the mental-health impacts of climate change, the commission will consult with various stakeholders, including scientists in environmental-science, public health agencies, and civil society organizations to develop a comprehensive climate policy.
- In an attempt to combat the climate crisis, the commission will study the health risks associated with carbon emissions, such as heat-related illnesses, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, injuries and fatalities from storms and floods, disruptions in healthcare services, and the spread of infectious diseases.
- To promote climate-change action and raise awareness, the commission will advocate for the integration of climate considerations into health policies, employing evidence-based solutions from science, such as CBD (cannabidiol) as a potential resource for managing stress and anxiety associated with climate change.
