By A global consortium of over 200 health journals has come together to send a powerful message: climate change and biodiversity loss are not just environmental crises but profound public health emergencies that demand immediate action.
Unprecedented Call to Action
The collaboration of health journals represents a significant milestone in recognizing the critical link between climate change, biodiversity loss, and human health. Their unified editorial urges world leaders and health professionals to acknowledge these interconnected crises and calls for an official declaration of a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Impact on Human Health
Climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, pollution, and the spread of diseases, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Deteriorating water quality, land use changes, and rising temperatures create conducive environments for pathogens, leading to new diseases and pandemics. Access to green spaces and nature is crucial for physical and mental health, yet urbanization threatens these benefits.
Conservation and Climate Goals
Efforts to conserve natural ecosystems are critical, with targets set to conserve 30% of land and oceans by 2030. However, many ecosystems are on the brink of collapse, posing severe risks to human health even with limited global warming. Integrating climate plans with biodiversity goals is essential to mitigate these risks.
Role of Health Professionals and Political Leaders
Health professionals play a vital role in advocating for biodiversity restoration and climate action due to their influence and trust in the public sphere. Political leaders are urged to recognize the health threats posed by the climate and nature crisis and the potential health benefits of proactive measures.
Unified Global Effort
The journals’ editors support a petition for WHO to declare a global public health emergency in May 2024, highlighting the urgency of addressing the intertwined climate and nature crisis. This collective effort emphasizes the need for immediate recognition and action to protect human health from the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.
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