Concept Note: A WHA Resolution on Climate Change and Health

Climate change has been described as the greatest health threat of the 21st century. In 2008, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted resolution WHA61.19 on climate change and health, noting that climate change could undermine efforts to improve public health and reduce health inequalities globally. This is the most recent WHA resolution on health and climate change. Since then, much more has been known about the interlinkages of health and climate. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report provides the latest evidence on the impacts of climate change, indicating progressively worse health outcomes in the coming decades, as well health co-benefit opportunities of strategic climate action. Therefore, an updated WHA resolution on climate change and health is timely and necessary.

10 civil society organizations including the WFPHA have signed a concept note to build momentum towards a future WHA resolution on climate change and health. The concept note outlines the rationale and potential actions for World Health Organization Secretariat and the Member States. The potential actions could be included in a future resolution. A WHA resolution will help to ensure widespread awareness and action.