Call for case studies on climate change and health:

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The year 2021 is due to be a crucial year for international climate action, with far-reaching consequences for the long-term health and resilience of communities and societies. In recovering from the global shock caused by COVID-19 – and the resulting damage to livelihoods, health, and sustainable development – governments are increasingly urged to prioritise a healthy and sustainable recovery of their economies that takes into account the broader social and environmental determinants of health.

In May 2020, millions of health professionals called for a healthy recovery, and WHO launched a Manifesto for a green, healthy recovery from COVID-19, laying out 6 prescriptions and over 70 actionables for more sustainable and healthy societies post-COVID.

In 2021, WHO and the global health community will continue to drive the conversation on recovery and resilience by envisioning how a healthy, equitable recovery from COVID-19 can drive rapid decarbonization of the world economy. To further this goal, WHO will be collecting case studies on health and climate change, to be highlighted in upcoming events and initiatives throughout the year.

What kind of case studies are we looking for?

We are looking for short, real-life stories about an initiative, project or advocacy campaign that showcase some of the great work that is already being implemented to reduce the impact of climate change on human health, and to help communities and societies recover from COVID-19 and transition to a healthy, climate-resilient and climate-just future.

What should a climate & health case study look like?

• Be solutions-driven: make sure your case study is a concrete and real-life example of progress being made on reducing the impacts of climate change on human health;
• Be visual: share images, video or graphic elements if possible;
• Be diverse: highlight different stakeholders and sectors driving positive change, such as representatives from cities, regions, businesses and civil society from sectors such as health, biodiversity, transport, economy and energy, as well as health professionals, scientists, policymakers, celebrities, local authorities and mayors, government representatives, representatives from vulnerable communities and youth leaders;
• Be personal: show the people behind the initiative, and share at least 1 quote or personal perspective, ideally from a person directly involved in the project or from an expert in the field;
• Be short and concise: limit your answers to 1-2 paragraphs each, if possible.

How to submit a case study?

The case studies can be submitted via this online form or in text format by email to [email protected]. Complementing the case studies with visual materials, such as photos from the field, would be most welcome.

Interested organizations and individuals are also encouraged to showcase their projects by submitting a short 1-2 minute video with footage and testimonials from the field, by email to [email protected]. These recordings could be used to create an advocacy video “The healthy, equitable and climate resilient future we want” that will be projected at the 2021 Global Conference on Health and Climate Change at the margin of COP26.

The deadline for submitting the case studies is July 31^st.

How will the case studies be used?

A selection of case studies will be presented at the upcoming Regional consultations on Climate Change and Health prepared by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) in April-May 2021.

Case studies will also be featured in the COP26 Special Report “The Health Argument for Climate Action”, to be published in November 2021, and will be featured on the WHO website throughout the year.

Find out more:

2021 Global Conference on Health and Climate Change

What will be discussed at COP26?