The World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, pulled no punches at the “Our Changing World” session, urging global leaders to confront climate change as a pressing public health emergency during the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly(UNGA).
He highlighted the dire health impacts of climate change and called for urgent, coordinated action to address what he described as “a public health crisis.”
“The same human activities that destabilise our planet’s climate also directly contribute to poor health outcomes.
“This dual threat demands our urgent attention and action,” Dr Piukala said.
Speaking to global leaders, Dr Piukala from Tonga and a Pacific Islander, shared his personal and professional concerns about climate change’s effect on health.
“As a Tongan, this issue feels close to home, but as Regional Director, I’ve seen just how large this issue is for the health of everyone across the Region and the globe,” he said.
Dr Piukala explained that human activities—burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialisation—not only fuel climate change but also lead to air, water, and food pollution.
“Air pollution is linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and even premature death. Our slow progress in reducing emissions and building resilience is putting lives at risk and straining healthcare systems,” he said
He warned that the Western Pacific region, home to more than 245 million people aged 65 years and older, is already feeling the effects, with health systems buckling under the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the aging population.
Reflecting on the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Piukala emphasised the need for the world to prepare for the next major health crisis, particularly in the face of climate change.
“We’ve just come out of what was hopefully the worst pandemic of our lifetime, but we need to prepare for the next one,” he said.
He highlighted how extreme weather events—heatwaves, floods, and hurricanes—disrupt food production, cause malnutrition, and increase the spread of waterborne diseases.
“Urban areas, with their dense populations, are especially vulnerable, compounding socioeconomic inequalities and slowing development.”
Dr Piukala advocated for health-centred solutions as the key to addressing both climate and health crises.
“Transitioning to renewable energy not only reduces greenhouse gases but also improves air quality, leading to better respiratory health.
“Expanding green spaces in cities can reduce heat, encourage physical activity, and improve mental well-being,” he explained.
Strengthening healthcare systems to be climate-resilient is a top priority for WHO, Dr Piukala noted.
“By preparing our health systems for climate impacts, we also improve our readiness for other emergencies, such as pandemics,” he said.
He referred to WHO’s COP26 Special Report on Climate Change and Health, which offers ten key recommendations for governments to maximise the health benefits of climate action.
“These recommendations were shaped by over 400 experts and organisations, stressing the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.”
Dr Piukala emphasised the importance of the “One Health” approach, which recognises the interdependence of human, animal, and ecosystem health.
“Environmental degradation increases our exposure to disease risks, including zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted from animals to humans,” he said. “The environment plays a crucial role in this approach.”
He explained that land use changes, biodiversity loss, and pollution exacerbate health challenges.
“Habitat degradation increases human contact with wildlife, leading to the spread of zoonotic diseases,” Dr Piukala noted, calling for international cooperation to mitigate these risks.
Dr Piukala urged global leaders to prioritise climate change as a public health issue, warning that the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, floods, and heatwaves pose direct threats to human health.
“Changes in temperature and precipitation are expanding the habitats of vectors like mosquitoes and ticks, leading to the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue,” he said.
He also pointed out that the economic burden of climate-related health issues is growing.
“The financial strain on healthcare systems, productivity, and overall economic stability is substantial,” Dr Piukala warned.
Dr Piukala also called for fast, coordinated international action to address climate-related health issues.
“We must integrate climate and health policies, engage communities in decision-making, and support research to develop innovative solutions.
“At-risk populations, including low-income communities and marginalised groups, are disproportionately affected by climate-related health issues.
“Addressing these inequities is crucial for effective intervention,” Dr Piukala said.
He said Climate change is not just an environmental issue, it’s a public health imperative.
“By addressing its health impacts, we protect lives, foster economic well-being, and promote sustainable development.
“The health of our planet is tied to the health of its people. “Climate change is a public health crisis, and the time for action is now,” Dr Piukala said.
