Health systems and climate change

Abstract

Abstract   Climate change poses a serious threat to population health and health systems worldwide. Rising temperatures and extreme weather worsen health outcomes, extend the range of infectious diseases, exacerbate chronic conditions and mental health problems, and put mounting pressure on health workers and infrastructure ill-equipped for extreme conditions. At the same time, the health sector itself accounts for around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and greener infrastructure and care choices can generate significant co-benefits for population health. Building on the opening plenary's focus on population health and climate survival, this session explores how health systems can strengthen their resilience to climate-related pressures while reducing their own environmental footprint. A keynote will set out the growing and reciprocal impacts of climate change on health and health systems, before a panel discussion moves from international commitments to national, regional and local community-led initiatives. Interactive Slido polling and audience Q&A will bring further perspectives and experiences from the public health community into the conversation. Speakers/Panellists Antonio Parenti Director, Public Health, Cancer and Health Security, DG SANTE, European Commission Dorota Jarosinska WHO Bonn European Centre for Environment and Health Cathryn Tonne Lancet Countdown in Europe Raphael Taravella French Ministry of Health Mikel Subiza-Pérez Basque Centre for Climate Change