Summary on environment, climate change and health for WHO representatives and other country staff

Globally, environmental pollution and other environmental risks cause 24% of all deaths, and these deaths are largely preventable. A shift towards policies and actions that minimize risks to health and promote health and sustainable personal and societal choices will reduce environmental risks to health. These changes will result in many more people enjoying good health, living in appealing and unspoiled environments and in fewer people requiring health care, which will lower health care expenditures.