The imperative of climate action to protect human health in Europe
Opportunities for adaptation to reduce the impacts and for mitigation to capitalise on the benefits of decarbonisation
The European Union needs to accelerate its efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions, this report demands. This is urgent given the pace and extent of climate change, which also adversely affects human health.
Examples of serious challenges for human health are: Increased exposure to high temperatures and extreme events (e.g. floods and droughts, air pollution, allergens), weakened food and nutrition security as well as increased incidence of some infectious diseases. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase at the same rate, progress in health made over recent decades will be undermined. The economic benefits of action to address the current and prospective health effects of climate change are likely to be substantial.
The report was produced under the auspices of the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC). As a member, the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences support EASAC’s science for policy work. For the drafting of this report, they delegated two scientists with relevant expertise: Regula Gehrig (MeteoSwiss & Vice-President of the Commission for Phenology and Seasonality of the Swiss Academy of Sciences SCNAT) and Martin Röösli (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute STPH).
Edizione / Volume: EASAC Policy Report, 38
Dichiarazione Pagina: v, 65p.
Numero standard: ISBN 978-3-8047-4011-2
Contatto
Dr. Roger Pfister
Accademie svizzere delle scienze
Casa delle Accademie
Casella postale
3001 Berna