BMJ Open Quality · 1 author, 1 centre
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Over 200 health journals jointly argue that climate change and biodiversity loss constitute a single indivisible planetary crisis that is already damaging human health and should be declared a global health emergency by the WHO. The editorial calls for harmonising climate and biodiversity policy processes and for health professionals to advocate for integrated action.
Health impacts discussed include waterborne diseases from pollution, loss of food security as wildlife declines, increased emergence of infectious diseases from habitat disruption, and rises in non-communicable and autoimmune diseases linked to reduced contact with nature. The editorial notes that health impacts are distributed inequitably, with the most vulnerable communities bearing the highest burden. It calls on the WHO to declare the combined crisis a global health emergency, arguing it meets the three preconditions for a public health emergency of international concern.
