Climate change has hit the WHO European Region hard, impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions and causing thousands of preventable deaths, as well as enormous economic costs from floods, heatwaves and wildfires each year.
Affecting a wide range of health issues from vector-borne and other infectious diseases to mental health conditions, to water and food security, the climate crisis is one of the most pressing threats to public health of our time.
Acknowledging the scale of the crisis and the need to build resilient, sustainable communities and health systems, WHO/Europe is organizing an external hearing to bring together Member States, partners and civil society representatives.
The hearing aims to:
- mobilize a wide range of stakeholders for climate and health action;
- gather actionable ideas to inform the development of the second European Programme of Work 2026–2030 (EPW2); and
- foster partnerships to drive health and climate action across the Region.
Keynote speakers include:
- Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe;
- Dr Jane Goodall, Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute, and United Nations Messenger of Peace;
- Sir Andrew Haines, Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; and
- H.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir, former Prime Minister, Iceland.
Register now and shape the future of health in Europe and central Asia.
WHO/Europe’s work on climate change
The WHO Regional Office for Europe supports Member States in preventing, preparing for and responding to the health effects of climate change. EPW2 will put climate change at the heart of its efforts to promote health resilience, adaptation and mitigation policies that are beneficial to health, preparing health systems in the Region for current and future challenges. Key topics for EPW2 will be:
- climate-resilient and sustainable health systems and communities;
- cities as drivers of healthy climate action;
- inclusive solutions for vulnerable populations.
A series of hearings to inform EPW2
The WHO Regional Office for Europe is organizing a series of hearings as part of the development process for EPW2. These hearings provide a platform for Member States, civil society representatives and other partners to share insights, priorities and recommendations for shaping a unified health agenda for the European Region up to 2030 and beyond.
The feedback gathered through these sessions will inform EPW2, ensuring it addresses key health challenges and promotes equity and resilience. The hearings are conducted online, enabling broad participation and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
Join the EPW2 hearing on Climate Change and Health on 28 February 2025, 10:00 Central European Time
Register HERE
More information on EPW2 is available HERE
