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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with assistance from the Wellcome Trust, today unveiled the first global information platform devoted to climate change and health. It is in response to increased demands for actionable information to shield people from the health risks associated with climate change and other environmental dangers. There are close ties between the climate and health. The health and welfare of people are significantly impacted by climate change, extreme weather, and environmental degradation. Infectious infections, heat stress, and poor water and air quality are just a few of the health dangers that people are more exposed to than ever before.
People are already dying as a result of climate change, according to Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, coordinator of the WHO's program on climate change and health. The most vulnerable people are suffering the harshest effects since it is hurting the necessities for survival such as clean air, safe water, food, and shelter. Decades of advancement in global health could be undone by unchecked climate change. Evidence-based policies backed by the most cutting-edge research and resources are needed to lessen its effects.
Using specific environmental and climatic science as well as public health technologies, such as illness forecasting and heat early warning systems, has the potential to save a lot of lives. This information and techniques can help us contact at-risk people, increase our understanding of the links between climate change and health, and predict and lessen the effects. For users of interdisciplinary health, environmental, and climate science to become the go-to technical reference source, WHO and WMO created this new worldwide open-access website. By combining the knowledge and research of both organizations, the website serves as the public face of the WHO-WMO Joint Technical Program.
The head of the WMO-WHO Climate and Health Joint Office, Joy Shumake-Guillemot, stated that we frequently meet with public health professionals who are concerned about the environmental effects on health they are seeing. However, they do not have access to the education and specialized climate information necessary to handle these pressing problems. On the other hand, there are climate experts who have access to vast amounts of data and materials that could be used to advance public health objectives but aren't getting to the proper individuals.
Strong collaborations and cooperation between the providers and users of climate information are necessary to tailor the information for use in the health sector. To inform and advocate for action and investment, a wide range of audiences, from policymakers to community groups, will use evidence and decision-making tools. ClimaHealth will assist in bridging the health and climate communities and support the acceleration of multidisciplinary research, national capacity, and the use of these tools by these audiences. For understanding and addressing the health implications of climate change, Madeleine Thomson, Head of Climate Impacts and Adaptation for the Wellcome Trust, emphasized the importance of collaboration among experts in the fields of climate, health, and technology. But as of today, it's not always possible for specialists to collaborate and exchange knowledge as effectively as they'd like to. We anticipate that this portal will contribute to the possibilities for interdisciplinary collaboration in research and provide fresh perspectives on how climate change is influencing health all around the world.
Users of the website will be able to connect with international experts, find upcoming events, news, opportunities, technical resources, and data, and apply decision and learning tools, case studies, and curated guidance and research documents to explore the nation. There are also hazard- and theme-focused entry points as well as an increasing number of profiles and resources for climate service providers. To increase its offers and better serve users on all sides of the interface between the environment, health, and climate, this living platform will be improved with fresh information and innovative features throughout the ensuing months and years.
Yash Ranjan11/01/2022
