WMO joins European partners to strengthen cooperation on climate and health
On 10 November, the WMO Regional Office for Europe joined partners of the European Climate and Health Observatory (ECHO) to review progress since June and discuss opportunities for stronger cooperation over the next two years.
The meeting focused on how partners can advance ECHO's five strategic objectives for 2030, covering climate-related health risk monitoring, adaptation in health systems, early warning and preparedness, climate literacy and the sharing of effective adaptation solutions.
Heat and health in focus
Heat was highlighted as a key climate-related health hazard, alongside water-related risks and climate-sensitive diseases. Partners emphasised the importance of connecting climate information and health expertise to better anticipate risks, understand potential impacts and strengthen preparedness.
A potential joint webinar series on heat and health was also discussed as an opportunity to promote knowledge exchange and engagement between the climate and health communities.
Connecting regional climate expertise with health needs
WMO contributes expertise across weather, climate, water and related environmental domains, including monitoring, forecasting, climate services and capacity development.
Through the WMO Regional Association VI (RA VI) platform and its regional cooperation mechanisms, the WMO Regional Office for Europe helps connect this expertise with ECHO partners and facilitates cooperation between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and health institutions.
National health focal points also play an important role, bringing national health priorities into the partnership and helping identify the climate information and services needed by health authorities. Stronger links between health focal points and NMHSs can help ensure that regional climate knowledge responds to national needs.
Relevant WMO regional activities and products include the State of the Climate in Europe, regional climate outlooks and Climate Watch Advisories, impact-based forecasting and multi-hazard early warnings, HydroSOS, drought monitoring and the Regional Water Resources Statement. WMO also supports atmospheric and environmental monitoring, climate data stewardship, scientific exchange and capacity development. Together, these activities provide information and expertise to help anticipate climate-related health risks and strengthen preparedness.
Looking ahead
The discussions will inform the forthcoming ECHO workplan, which will set out areas for continued collaboration over the next two years and be published on the Observatory's website.