News outlets report on a WHO statement calling on nations to “protect the health of current and future generations” at the upcoming U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP-21) in Paris.

Agence France-Presse: Don’t forget public health at Paris Climate talks: WHO
“…The World Health Organization estimates that climate change is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths globally per year through various factors including shifts in disease patterns and deteriorating air quality…” (11/17).

CIDRAP News: WHO says health impacts of climate change overlooked
“In a statement, the WHO said now is the time for health voices to speak up, and it issued the first 12 country climate-change-and-health profiles to assist policymakers in considering the effects on health, such as increased transmission of malaria and cholera from flooding…” (Schnirring, 11/17).

U.N. News Centre: U.N. calls on countries to protect health from impacts of climate change
“…In 2012, the agency estimated seven million people died from air pollution-related diseases, making it the world’s largest single environmental health risk. It is predicted that climate change will cause an additional 25,000 deaths per year from malaria, diarrhea, heat stress, and under-nutrition between 2030 and 2050. Children, women, and the poor in lower income countries will reportedly be the most vulnerable and most affected, widening health gaps…” (11/17).

VOA News: WHO: Climate Treaty Must Include Health Protection
“…WHO’s public health and environment director, Maria Neira, says it is wrong to think of the climate change treaty as only about the environment or sustainable development. ‘Of course, it is about that, but it is very much as well about health. For us, the treaty that will be signed in Paris is a public health treaty and, if it is a good one, it will probably be the most important public health treaty of this century,’ said Neira…” (Schlein, 11/17).