Katrín Jakobsdóttir to chair new WHO committee on climate change and health in Reykjavik

Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the former Prime Minister of Iceland, has agreed to chair a new European committee on climate change and health being established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, announced this development at a recent meeting where he was re-elected to his position.

Kluge emphasized the significant health risks posed by climate change and underscored the necessity for innovative strategies to address these threats. The establishment of a Europe-wide committee on climate change and health aims to strengthen initiatives within health systems across the continent. He expressed enthusiasm about Katrín’s acceptance of the role, noting her leadership could invigorate efforts in this crucial area.

Should the WHO’s executive board approve the formation of the committee during its meeting in January, it is expected to be launched in Reykjavik in February. This initiative signals a growing recognition of the interplay between environmental changes and public health, as advocates push for collaborative responses to emerging global challenges.