WHO - World Health Organization Regional Office for The Western Pacific

09/22/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2024 21:41

Remarks at the Our Changing World session of the Panorama Leadership forum, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly

Nearly eight months ago, I took on the role of Regional Director for WHO in the Western Pacific. Spanning across Asia and the Pacific, from Mongolia in the North to the small island country of Niue in the East, the Region is incredibly diverse and dynamic.

It has seen unprecedented economic growth, migration and urbanization, which has created opportunities for many. But this has also brought new challenges. For example, as a result of progress and better healthcare there are more people living longer. There are more than 245 million people aged 65 years and older - around 13% of the Region's population - and this number is expected to double by 2050. While this progress is welcome, it does mean health systems are seeing an increase in the burden of noncommunicable diseases as well as a growing population of people with diverse functional abilities.

The Region is also a hotspot for emerging diseases, from SARS to avian influenza to COVID-19. We've just come out of what was hopefully the worst pandemic of our lifetime and we need to prepare for the next one.

But in the eight months since I took office, the thing that has continued to keep me up at night at most is the effect of climate change on health. As a Tongan and a Pacific Islander, this issue feels close to home. But as Regional Director, I've now seen just how large of an issue this is for the health of everyone across the Region and the globe.

The same human activities that destabilize our planet's climate also directly contribute to poor health outcomes. This dual threat demands our urgent attention and action. WHO has long warned about the health impacts of climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and industrial activities release greenhouse gases that trap heat in our atmosphere, leading to global warming.

These activities not only alter our climate but also pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. Air pollution, for instance, is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions and even premature death. Our slow progress in reducing emissions and building resilience is putting lives at risk and straining healthcare systems.

The nexus of climate change and health is complex. It touches multiple sectors like agriculture, water and urban planning. Extreme weather events-heatwaves, floods, hurricanes-disrupt food production, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity. Water scarcity and contamination increase the spread of waterborne diseases. Urban areas, with their dense populations, are especially vulnerable, compounding socioeconomic inequalities and slowing development.

To address this, we must recognize climate change as a central public health issue. The health of our planet is tied to the health of its people. By framing climate change as a public health crisis, we can rally healthcare professionals, policymakers and communities to take meaningful action.

What do we do about this? Well, health-centred solutions offer a way to address multiple challenges simultaneously. Transitioning to renewable energy not only reduces greenhouse gases but also improves air quality, leading to better respiratory health. Expanding green spaces in cities can reduce heat, encourage physical activity, and improve mental well-being.

Strengthening healthcare systems to be climate-resilient is critical. By preparing our health systems for climate impacts, we also improve our readiness for other emergencies, such as pandemics. This is a priority for WHO, particularly in vulnerable areas.

WHO's COP26 Special Report on Climate Change and Health outlines ten key recommendations for governments to maximize the health benefits of climate action. These recommendations were shaped by over 400 experts and organizations, stressing the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. A new report will be launched at COP29 this year, reaffirming the urgency of this issue.

One key strategy is the "One Health" approach, which recognizes the interdependence of human, animal and ecosystem health. By fostering collaboration across these areas, we can better tackle the health risks posed by climate change.

Environmental degradation increases our exposure to disease risks, including zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans. The environment plays a crucial role in the One Health approach. It acts as a reservoir for nutrients and living organisms, including disease agents such as bacteria and viruses. Environmental processes can transform chemicals into bioavailable forms that can be absorbed by the body, potentially leading to health issues. Land use change, biodiversity loss and pollution exacerbate these challenges. Habitat degradation can increase human contact with wildlife, leading to the spread of zoonotic diseases.

As we navigate an era of rapid environmental change, it is imperative to understand how these shifts impact human health and what we, as leaders, can do to mitigate emerging threats. In our rapidly changing world, several major trends in the field of climate and health demand our immediate attention.

Increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves poses direct threats to human health, causing injuries, fatalities and exacerbating chronic conditions. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are expanding the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, leading to the spread of diseases such as malaria, dengue and Lyme disease. Rising temperatures and pollution levels contribute to poor air quality, which is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Climate change affects agricultural productivity and water availability, leading to malnutrition and waterborne diseases. Social impact leaders must grasp the interconnectedness of these trends and their broader implications.

At-risk populations, including low-income communities and marginalized groups, are disproportionately affected by climate-related health issues. Addressing these inequities is crucial for effective intervention. The economic burden of climate-related health issues is substantial, affecting healthcare systems, productivity and overall economic stability.

Climate and health challenges are global in nature, requiring coordinated international efforts and knowledge sharing. Looking ahead, the health impacts of climate change will only intensify without swift action.

We must integrate climate and health policies, engage communities in decision-making, and support research to develop innovative solutions.

Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a public health imperative. By addressing its health impacts, we protect lives, foster economic well-being, and promote sustainable development.

Thank you.