WHO: COP31 in Türkiye to spotlight climate-health crisis link

WHO Representative and Head of Office in Türkiye Dr. Tasnim Atatrah said the COP31 climate summit in Antalya will provide a crucial platform to reinforce the connection between environmental policy and human health, describing global warming as a mounting public health crisis that is already affecting populations worldwide. Speaking to Anadolu, Atatrah noted that the November conference represents a strategic opportunity to elevate health considerations within global climate negotiations.

1.5C threshold critical for health outcomes

Atatrah stated that the 1.5C warming limit established under the Paris Agreement serves as a vital public health benchmark, noting that exceeding this threshold would trigger severe consequences for vulnerable populations. "If global warming exceeds 1.5 degrees, we are likely to see more frequent and severe extreme weather events, rising heat-related mortality, increasing pressure on food and water systems, and greater risks of disease outbreaks and displacement. The health impacts will be particularly significant for vulnerable populations, including older persons, children, people with chronic diseases, and communities already facing social or economic challenges," she said. Health systems face mounting pressure from supply chain disruptions, infrastructure damage, and interruptions to electricity and water access during extreme weather events, compounding both immediate emergency needs and long-term care demands, according to the WHO official.

Climate and health policies must converge

The WHO official said health systems must now respond to secondary climate impacts including infectious diseases, air pollution-related illnesses, and mental health conditions, adding that these dimensions cannot be addressed in isolation from environmental policy. "However, there is still room to further elevate health within climate negotiations and implementation frameworks. Health is one of the strongest and most tangible arguments for climate action because people experience climate change first through its impact on their lives, well-being, and communities" she said. Health has become a significantly more visible component of climate discussions in recent years, Atatrah noted.

Antalya summit to showcase Türkiye's leadership

Atatrah highlighted Türkiye's investments in health security and emergency preparedness through the Health Ministry, noting that Antalya carries symbolic weight as a Mediterranean city facing rising temperatures, water stress, and wildfire risks. "Hosting COP31 in Antalya would represent a highly valuable opportunity to further elevate the global conversation on climate and health," she said, adding that the summit would allow Türkiye to demonstrate integrated approaches connecting climate resilience, health systems, and water security. The Mediterranean region's escalating environmental pressures make the location particularly relevant for discussions on safeguarding communities through coordinated climate and health action.