Geneva: Six targeted climate and public health interventions could prevent 1.6 million deaths every year while generating trillions of dollars in economic gains, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 4.
The WHO report highlights how expanding affordable, existing solutions across countries could deliver annual economic welfare benefits of US$3.9 trillion, alongside an additional US$5.4 trillion in government revenue. The measures could also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The six recommended interventions include heat-health warning systems, climate-resilient drinking water supplies, improved sanitation, access to hygiene and handwashing facilities, cleaner household cooking and heating fuels, and more effective fossil fuel pricing policies.
According to the report, implementing these measures worldwide could prevent approximately 1.6 million deaths annually and avoid 16.7 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This represents nearly 31% of global annual greenhouse gas emissions, excluding land use and forestry-related emissions.
The economic returns are particularly significant, with five of the six interventions expected to generate US$24 in benefits for every US$1 invested. Heat-health warning systems offer one of the highest returns, potentially delivering US$835 for every dollar spent by helping communities prepare for extreme temperatures.
Meanwhile, efficient fossil fuel pricing policies, including reducing ineffective subsidies and introducing appropriate taxes, could prevent 1.2 million deaths annually. These measures alone are projected to generate US$3 trillion in economic welfare gains and US$5.4 trillion in fiscal benefits.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said climate-related health risks could be reduced through solutions that are already available, stressing the importance of placing public health at the centre of climate policies.
Released ahead of COP31, the report urges governments, development partners and financial institutions to scale up these interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where the potential health and economic benefits are expected to be substantial.
