The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that implementing six key climate interventions could lead to the prevention of approximately 1.6 million deaths each year and create significant economic benefits worldwide. According to a recent report titled ‘Global benefits and costs of prioritised actions on climate change and health,’ these measures could provide about $3.9 trillion in annual economic welfare advantages and generate over $5.4 trillion in fiscal benefits.
The interventions highlighted in the report include:
- Heat-health warning systems
- Climate-resilient drinking-water services
- Basic sanitation services
- Hygiene and handwashing facilities
- Cleaner household fuels and technologies for cooking and heating
- Efficient fossil fuel pricing policies
According to the WHO, these strategies could avoid up to 16.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, representing about 31 percent of global annual greenhouse gas emissions not including land-use-related emissions. The report emphasizes that integrating public health goals into climate policies is crucial for maximizing health and financial outcomes.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus stated that the current climate crisis is also a public health crisis, with many adverse health effects being preventable through existing solutions. He encouraged governments to prioritize health considerations in climate action as they approach upcoming international climate negotiations.
The report notes that five of the six interventions could yield $24 in benefits for every dollar invested, with particularly high returns in low- and middle-income countries. Heat-health warning systems, for instance, are projected to deliver around $835 in benefits for each dollar invested.
As nations continue to face unprecedented climate-related challenges in 2026, the WHO is advocating for urgent investments in measures that enhance human health and environmental stability. The organization calls for collaboration among governments, development partners, and financing institutions to leverage the economic benefits that these interventions can provide.
