Shifting from Climate Change Reaction to Prevention Saves Lives for Healthier, Sustainable Future, Secretary-General Says, in Message to Global Conference

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the second Global Conference on Climate Change and Health, held in Geneva on 7‑8 July:

Welcome to the second Global Conference on Climate Change and Health.  I thank all you for participating.  I am especially grateful to everyone who helped to realize the Paris Agreement on climate change.  That Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can improve health around the world.

Now we need an important shift — from reaction to prevention.  Political attention and health-care budgets mostly focus on treating the impacts of climate change.  Prevention also saves lives.

Clean energy policies reduce air pollution.  And that cuts the spread of vector-borne diseases.  Human health and the environment both win.

Health professionals have the power to move people to action.  I count on you to act decisively and collectively.  Together, let us realize our vision of a healthier, more sustainable future.