Planetary Health and Climate Justice:

Today, approximately 3.3–3.6 billion people live in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change. The rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is set to result in irreversible changes on the environment with severe implications for human health. Faced with closing window of opportunity, we must collectively anticipate and push for ambitious public health policies that consider the impact on Planetary Health.  

During this event, we delve into the urgent intersection and current state of play of public health inclusion in climate EU policies and initiatives. In doing so, we aim to bridge the gap between scientific research, ethical considerations, and effective communication strategies to advocate for a future that prioritises global health equity. 

Representatives from the WHO, ASPHER and HSE Ireland will offer an overview of the most recent scientific knowledge, existing actions, and points of entry to promote health by adapting to and mitigating climate change. This is followed by WHO European Region civil society representatives focusing on how climate changes are experienced in the Western Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia with the pressing issues at hand, the opportunities, barriers and future directions of climate change and public health action and advocacy.