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Climate change

    Overview

    The global climate is changing. This affects human health, well-being and life on earth. In the near future it will lead to an amplification of current health problems, as well as new risks and pressures for the environment and the social and economic determinants of health.

    Impact
    In the WHO European Region, health effects have already been observed from more frequent and intense extreme weather events as well as changes in the the geographic range of some infectious disease vectors.
    WHO response
    WHO/Europe works to identify policy options to help prevent, prepare for and respond to the health effects of climate change, and supports its Member States in selecting and implementing the most suitable policies, measures and strategies.

    Multimedia

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    Our work

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    Documents

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    Output report of the special consultation of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, held on 19 January 2026, presenting high-level framing...

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    Output report of the third hearing of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, held on 2 October 2025, which addressed challenges for governance...

    Publications

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    Ukraine: 2026 Summer risk assessment

    As Ukraine approaches the summer of 2026, the health sector is operating under the dual pressure of prolonged war and intensifying climate-related risks....

    Role of the arts and culture in addressing the health impacts of climate change: Behavioural and Cultural Insights policy brief series

    Climate change is a growing public health emergency whose impacts extend beyond physical illness to mental, social and cultural well being. Technical solutions...