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WHO Launches Multilateral Climate and Health Initiative

On July 2, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened with partners from cities and research institutions across China and Europe in Geneva, Switzerland. This collaborative effort marked the initiation of the "Geneva 1.5°C Proactive Health Initiative," aimed at developing climate-resilient solutions to foster a sustainable and healthy future.

The roundtable focused on several pivotal topics, including innovative practices aimed at implementing health in urban settings, looking particularly at how to transition from laboratory breakthroughs to community applications. Participants included representatives from various sectors, including environmental health, climate change, nutrition, and urban planning, highlighting an interdisciplinary approach to health.

Key Themes of the Initiative

1. New Paradigm of 1.5°C Proactive Health

The symposium introduced a holistic framework emphasizing that limiting global warming to 1.5°C can yield significant health benefits. WHO experts presented evidence that climate risks such as extreme heatwaves, natural disasters, and biodiversity loss exacerbate respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, and malnutrition. Alarmingly, air pollution alone accounts for approximately 7 million premature deaths annually, a figure higher than the combined deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. This underscores the critical need for proactive health measures that address environmental hazards.

2. Transformational Innovations from Lab to Community

Chinese and European institutions presented case studies that showcased substantial improvements in air quality, urban health assessments, and innovative health intervention strategies. Specifically, they discussed initiatives focusing on natural therapies, green spaces, public health interventions, and sustainable food labeling, all aimed at promoting health within urban environments.

3. Urban Actions for Implementation

The roundtable sessions highlighted actionable strategies from Baoting and Vichy City, showcasing how health planning can be adapted in response to changing climate conditions. By integrating natural therapies and evidence-based practices, these cities illustrated the potential for cities to lead in health innovation.

Major Outcomes and Next Steps

The Geneva 1.5°C Proactive Health Initiative consists of three foundational pillars:

• - A Shared Vision: Recognizing the importance of a proactive health approach to tackle health risks posed by climate change and adapt health care models accordingly.
• - Progress in Research and Practice: Committing to evidence-based research and adopting proactive strategies for climate-resilient health systems.
• - Global Alliance for Collaboration: Establishing the "1.5°C Proactive Health International Alliance" to facilitate innovative health research and strengthen international cooperation in urban health and industrial synergy.

As a result of the discussions, Baoting and Vichy signed a Letter of Intent to deepen their collaboration, focusing on integrating traditional Chinese medicine with hydrotherapy and other innovations in proactive health. This collaboration aims to enhance the exchange of healthcare professionals and foster cultural and educational interactions between communities.

Expert Insights

Dr. Maria Neira, WHO's Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, praised the new proactive health initiative for its innovative multi-stakeholder collaboration. She emphasized the essential shift from a reactive disease-focused model to a comprehensive approach addressing health throughout the lifespan, which integrates various sectors such as health care, education, and environmental management.

Dr. Ren Minghui, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for UHC, highlighted how the initiative represents a paradigm shift necessary for addressing today’s pressing health challenges. Emphasizing inclusive and participatory methods, he called for a whole-of-government approach to health that breaks down silos.

Looking Ahead

The 1.5°C Proactive Health Initiative paves the way for groundbreaking partnerships that prioritize health and climate resilience. WHO acknowledged the imperative role China plays in shaping global health policies, especially as the nation aims for sustainable development amid climate challenges. In summary, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope for a healthier, climate-resilient world, setting an example of international cooperation to combat dual crises of health and climate change.