Preparing measures for climate change

The World Health Organization has called on European policymakers to take immediate measures to prepare for the consequences of climate change on health.

Consequences of storm Jeanne in Haiti

In a speech in the city of Montreal in Canada, WHO said climate change has shown its effects.

- The 2003 heatwave in Western Europe caused 35,000 deaths as the climate change event has the greatest impact on the health system in Europe.

- Health and social services, such as in France, have not been prepared in advance, especially the effects on the elderly.

WHO also explores other manifestations of the impact of climate change on human health.

- Infectious diseases are spreading to the north where the climate becomes warmer, such as insect-borne skin allergies that have occurred in Sweden and the hilly regions of the Czech Republic.

- The World Health Organization also concluded that malaria is still not the biggest threat in Europe.

- Allergies are another concern.

- The average length of allergy season in Europe has increased by 10 to 11 days in the past 30 years, changing the time and extent of pollen season. This affects many people with this allergy.

WHO argues that governments need to change their approach by taking initiative rather than reacting when the situation occurs. They need to be clear about the threats and protect people from the changing environment.