Climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems as a practical One Health solution
image credit: WHO Policymakers, practitioners, researchers and partners from health, environment, and climate sectors gathered in Lyon to discuss climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems as a practical One Health solution. The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Health France, Unitaid and WHO as part of the One Health Festival in Lyon.
“Our health systems must be resilient no matter the political situation.” said Dr Maria Neira in her first official appearance as an ATACH Champion, “Not only is a climate resilient, low-carbon and sustainable health system good for health, it is good for the economy.”
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that seeks to sustainably balance and optimise the health of people, animals and ecosystems. WHO has long argued that the environment is a source for solutions to health issues while simultaneously supporting economies through job creation and reduced costs.
“No country can meet this challenge alone,” said Dr Jérôme Weinbach, deputy director for European and international affairs, Ministry of Health France, “France’s plans are grounded in equity, climate justice and social participation.”
Speakers highlighted climate change as a cross-cutting risk multiplier across One Health domains, including zoonoses, AMR, biodiversity, food systems and pollution. They demonstrated how climate-resilient and low carbon health systems enable and strengthen the One Health approach and the need for sustainable and accessible financing
Practical solutions were presented at the meeting, with speakers emphasizing practical ways to increase action at country level, including through the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) and relevant initiatives such as the Belém Health Action Plan. They also shared evidence-based country experiences and fostered cross-sectoral collaboration and peer to peer learning.
This event also served as a preparatory meeting for the high-level ATACH gathering in June: ATACH High Level Strategic Meeting