WHO Outlines Global Measures to Prevent Millions of Deaths Annually
In a report published ahead of the UN COP31 Climate Change Conference, which begins next week in Antalya, Türkiye, the agency projected that these interventions could generate $3.9 trillion in annual economic welfare benefits, alongside another $5.4 trillion in fiscal gains.
The proposed measures include establishing early warning systems for extreme heat, expanding access to safe drinking water, improving sanitation and hygiene services, promoting cleaner household energy sources and reforming fossil fuel pricing.
"The climate crisis is a health crisis, but much of the harm it causes can be prevented with tools we already have," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in the report.
The agency estimated that investments in five of the proposed interventions could produce approximately $24 in benefits for every dollar spent.
Heat-health warning systems were identified as a particularly high-return measure, with projected gains of $835 for each dollar invested.
Meanwhile, changes to fossil fuel pricing, including the removal of inefficient subsidies, could account for the prevention of 1.2 million deaths annually. According to the report, this measure would also deliver the largest economic and fiscal benefits.
Beyond their impact on public health and national economies, the six interventions could prevent the release of an estimated 16.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide.
The WHO called on governments to step up funding for the proposed measures, emphasizing that low- and middle-income countries stand to gain substantially from their implementation.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
