Where economies are focused on health and well-being? Where cities are liveable and people have control over their health and the health of the planet?

Today (Thursday 7 April) is World Health Day and that is the future that the World Health Organization would like everyone to consider as we plan for a #HealthierTomorrow. 

WHO estimates that more than 13 million deaths around the world each year are due to avoidable environmental causes. This includes the climate crisis which, WHO stresses, is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. The climate crisis is also a health crisis, and this special edition of the Developing Healthy Communities Newsletter is all about the issues that we need to be working on now if we want a healthy future.

What can I do as an individual?

As individuals it can be hard to see how our actions can shift the dial when it comes to climate and health golbally. WHO has a five point action plan that covers the most impactful ways that anyone can contribute to the global effort.

1. Walk or pedal to work at least one day a week. Choose public transport.
2. Change to a renewable energy provider; don’t heat your rooms over 21.5C; turn off the light when not in the room.
3. Buy your fresh groceries from local producers and avoid highly processed foods and beverages. 
4. Tobacco is a killer and a polluter. Stop consuming tobacco. 
5. Buy less plastic; use recyclable grocery bags.
6. WHO also encourages everyone to raise their voice and demand climate actions to protect their health. 

And of course some people have more opportunities to influence change. Hit the button below to read the WHO action checklists for Governments, Health Workers, Corporations and Mayors.

Find out what else health workers, businesses and mayors can do