Why the WHO must declare climate change a public health emergency

Source: The post “Why the WHO must declare climate change a public health emergency” has been created based on “Why the WHO must declare climate change a public health emergency” published in “Down To Earth” on 31st September 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 3- Environment

Context: Climate change has emerged as one of the greatest health threats of the 21st century. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are causing heat-related deaths, malnutrition, disease outbreaks and disruptions in healthcare services. Considering this, it is argued that the World Health Organization (WHO) should declare climate change a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) to mobilise international cooperation and protect vulnerable populations.

Major health impacts of climate change

1. Heat-related mortality: Rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves are increasing heat-related deaths, particularly among the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses.
2. Maternal and child health: Extreme heat can adversely affect maternal health, pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of unborn children.
3. Malnutrition and food insecurity: Climate-induced crop failures reduce food availability and worsen malnutrition, particularly among children in vulnerable communities.
4. Spread of infectious diseases: Changing climatic conditions can intensify disease risks, including malaria, threatening the lives of vulnerable populations.
5. Disruption of healthcare services: Floods, cyclones and other extreme weather events can damage healthcare infrastructure, isolate communities from clinics and interrupt access to essential medicines.
6. Displacement and livelihood loss: Climate-related disasters force communities to leave their homes, destroy livelihoods and increase their exposure to health risks.
7. Impact on healthcare workers: Climate change also affects healthcare workers, reducing their ability to provide essential services to communities in need.

About Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)

1. A PHEIC is defined in the IHR (2005) as, “an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response”.
2. This definition implies a situation that is:
   1. serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected;
   2. carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border; and
   3. may require immediate international action.

Reasons why should WHO declare climate change a PHEIC

1. To recognise the urgency of the crisis: A formal declaration would acknowledge that climate change is an immediate public health threat rather than a distant environmental risk.
2. To mobilise international financing: The declaration could help catalyse financial resources for prevention, preparedness and healthcare interventions.
3. To strengthen international cooperation: It would facilitate coordinated action among countries and international institutions to address the cross-border consequences of climate change.
4. To provide evidence-based recommendations: WHO could support countries with scientific guidance and public health strategies to reduce climate-related health risks.
5. To protect vulnerable populations: It would promote an equitable response prioritising those most affected, especially people in developing countries who have limited resources to adapt.
6. To improve surveillance and prevention: Greater coordination could strengthen monitoring of climate-related health impacts and enable early identification of emerging risks.
7. To overcome slow global action: Despite successive international commitments, progress on climate change has been inadequate, while efforts under the consensus-based UN climate framework have faced delays and setbacks.

Need of the immediate action

1. Intensifying extreme weather: Heatwaves, floods, wildfires and droughts are affecting communities across the world, causing displacement and loss of life.
2. The El Niño factor: It is highlighted the risks associated with an intensifying El Niño, which can aggravate heat and extreme weather conditions.
3. Growing evidence of health impacts: Scientific research increasingly demonstrates the contribution of climate change to adverse health outcomes, strengthening the case for urgent public health action.
4. Unequal burden of climate change: Countries in the Global South often face greater climate-related risks despite having contributed relatively little to the problem.
5. Limited adaptive capacity: Many affected communities understand the risks but lack adequate financial resources and infrastructure to protect themselves.

How can a PHEIC declaration help

1. Application of International Health Regulations: The WHO can initiate the prescribed assessment process under the International Health Regulations (IHR) to examine whether the situation warrants a PHEIC declaration.
2. Expert assessment of risks: An expert committee can evaluate the seriousness and unusual nature of the threat, its potential international spread and the risks of international travel or trade restrictions.
3. Coordinated global response: A declaration could strengthen international coordination, public health preparedness and the sharing of scientific knowledge.
4. Equitable and preventive action: Countries could prioritise healthcare for affected populations, large-scale prevention and systematic surveillance of climate-related health impacts.

Conclusion: Climate change is an immediate and unequal public health threat that demands a coordinated international response. The WHO should assess the crisis through the International Health Regulations framework and consider a PHEIC declaration to strengthen financing, prevention, surveillance and international cooperation. Timely action is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent avoidable loss of life.

Question: Climate change is no longer merely an environmental concern but an escalating public health emergency. Discuss the need for the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare climate change a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Source: Down to Earth