How do we survive climate change?

Abstract

Abstract   Our societies face a polycrisis in which climate change — with its devastating environmental and health impacts — demands immediate attention. The public health community must respond as scientists, professionals and citizens to the profound question of what future we are building for generations to come. The keynote will establish that climate change is not a future risk but an immediate and escalating public health crisis: the scientific evidence has never been stronger, yet political attention remains fragmented. It will introduce the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, convened by WHO/Europe to close the gap between evidence and implementation, and present its Call to Action across four domains: recognising climate change as a public health emergency; transforming health systems to be climate-resilient, low-carbon and prevention-oriented; scaling community-based solutions, particularly at city level; and reforming economic and financial systems to align incentives with health and climate goals. Drawing on the Dutch experience of pioneering climate-resilient health systems, particular emphasis will be placed on health system transformation and the health workforce as critical levers for change. The Executive Director of the European Environment Agency will present findings from the European Climate Risk Assessment and the European Climate and Health Observatory. ASPHER's Senior Lead on Climate & Planetary Health will address the capacity-building and professionalisation needed for public health professionals to meet these challenges. Moderation by two early-career ASPHER Climate and Health Fellows will keep the discussion focused on the concerns of the next generation of public health professionals. Keynote speaker Enrico Giovannini Commissioner of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH); Former Minister of Sustainable Infrastructure and Mobility, Italy Speakers/Panellists Aleksandra Kazmierczak Coordinator of the European Climate and Health Observatory, European Environment Agency Francesca Racioppi Head WHO European Centre for Environment and Health Laurent Chambaud Senior Chair, ASPHER Climate & Planetary Health Working Group