[Climate resilience and health: the planet's vital signs are flashing red].

Abstract

Six of the nine Earth systems are dangerously stressed: climate change, biodiversity loss, land use, pollution, freshwater availability, and the global biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus. Analogous to human multi-organ failure, cascading planetary tipping points threaten to cause irreversible damage to our societies. This ecological crisis is already manifesting in a variety of health risks, from heat-related deaths and respiratory diseases to mental health. For future generations, continuing business as usual in the present means much less prosperity, security, freedom, and-most importantly-health. The ecological crisis is the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century. Climate resilience is defined as the necessary integration of climate adaptation and mitigation, and is a central component of preventive health care. Key action areas include: 1) considering the current and future health impacts of the ecological crisis in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; 2) educating policymakers about climate resilience and health, and deriving concrete actions for municipalities, states, and federal governments; 3) implementing climate-sensitive health advice in outpatient and inpatient settings and educating the public; 4) initiating and participating in municipal, regional, and national sectoral and cross-sectoral action alliances; 5) monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and developing implementation plans for emission-free health facilities; and finally, 6) prioritizing climate resilience and health in research and education. Special attention is given to measures that have multiple positive effects on both human health and Earth systems, known as co-benefits. By not limiting themselves to medical measures alone, but overcoming displacement and intervening in political and societal processes, health experts can play a key role in combating this crisis.