Geneva: An independent commission of former heads of government, international organization officials, ministers, and civil society leaders called on the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday to declare climate change an international public health emergency.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, chaired by former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir and convened by WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, brought together 13 former heads of government, international organization officials, ministers, and civil society leaders from across the WHO European Region, which comprises 53 countries. The commission published its Call to Action from Geneva, urging the WHO 'to formally declare climate change a public health emergency of international concern.'

The commission highlighted the inadequacy of the current framework of the International Health Regulations, stating that it was not designed to address climate threats. They emphasized that the rules have failed to keep pace with the scale of the crisis. "The absence of a formal emergency designation has allowed governments to treat climate change as a chronic background condition rather than an acute, escalating threat that is already evident," they said.

Furthermore, the commission urged governments to recognize climate change as an immediate and growing crisis rather than a future threat. They highlighted the effects of climate change across health, food, water, energy, and national security, warning that current responses remain insufficient. The commission called on heads of government to place climate and health on the agenda of national security councils while engaging all relevant ministries.

The commission emphasized the health and economic case for acting promptly, warning that the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of early mitigation and adaptation. They stressed the need to improve the climate resilience of health systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by training health professionals on climate and health issues and integrating key climate indicators into national health system assessments.

Additionally, the commission urged governments and the international community to establish monitoring systems with metrics that place health, equity, and environmental sustainability at the center of decision-making. They also called on the WHO to strengthen coordination on climate and health across the United Nations system.

Former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir stated, "Far from being a problem solely for future generations, it is a real and present threat to us right now in Europe. Climate action is not merely a necessity. It is a high-return investment for a more just and resilient society. We all have a political and moral responsibility to act now."