Geneva,Switzerland: Recognizing the critical role of health professionals in addressing the global challenge of climate change, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new toolkit to equip them with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate its health impacts and solutions.
Developed in collaboration with leading health and climate organizations, the toolkit aims to bridge knowledge gaps and empower health workers – from doctors and nurses to academics and researchers – to confidently discuss climate change and its implications for health.
“Health and care workers are trusted voices in their communities,” said Dr. Maria Neira, Director of WHO’s Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. “This toolkit empowers them to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and lead community action to protect health from climate change.”
Climate change poses a significant threat to human health through various pathways, including extreme weather events, air pollution, food insecurity, water scarcity, and the spread of infectious diseases. Heatwaves, changing weather patterns, and air pollution contribute to cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, mental health issues, and malnutrition.
The toolkit provides comprehensive resources to help health workers understand these health impacts, as well as the cobenefits of climate action. It includes communication strategies, key messages, and tools for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
By empowering health workers to communicate effectively about climate change and health, the WHO aims to drive collective action towards mitigating climate change, building resilience, and safeguarding public health for present and future generations.
