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Climate change and health: New recommendations for Germany in focus!
The WHO Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health is strengthening policy responses to climate-related health risks from December 2025.
Climate change and health: New recommendations for Germany in focus!
On November 24, 2025, the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2025, assumed a significant role. This independent advisory body aims to raise the political profile, awareness and support for action to address the health impacts of climate change. A particularly pressing concern, as the WHO emphasizes, is the fact that climate change is considered “the greatest health threat to humanity.” To achieve this goal, the Commission plans to hold three hearings and two specific consultations with experts to examine relevant evidence and experiences. The first recommendations are expected to be presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
One of the most pressing issues the Commission will address is the challenge that climate change poses to public health. Experts point out that extreme weather events such as droughts or heat waves have a direct impact on human health. These events can cause not only acute health problems, but also long-term consequences such as increased mortality, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly or people with underlying health conditions. This includes a department of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) that is increasingly focusing on the topic of heat and health. The RKI is investigating excess heat mortality in Germany and has set up an interdepartmental working group that specifically addresses climate change and health. The Climate and Health Office coordinates scientific work in this area to develop evidence-based solutions.
Focus on heat and health
Heat is a central topic in health reporting. The effects on the cardiovascular system and general morbidity and mortality are worrying. In addition to seniors, pregnant women and marginalized groups, who often have poorer access to health care, are particularly at risk. The RKI makes an important contribution to the discussion about these health challenges and has identified numerous options for action that are relevant in the context of climate change.
In collaboration with around 30 national institutions and organizations, a report is currently being produced that includes evidence-based information on infection-related diseases, antibiotic resistance and psychosocial aspects. The constant updating of this status report forms the basis for a responsible health policy response to climate changes.
The upcoming consultations offer a valuable opportunity to bring together expert knowledge and develop effective strategies for adaptation and climate protection. It is therefore worth following developments surrounding the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health closely. The next dedicated consultation will take place on December 3, 2025, with the aim of generating further insights that could be relevant to WHO initiatives globally.
For detailed information about the work of the Commission and the health risks of climate change, please refer to the WHO reports at [WHO] and the RKI data at [RKI]. The current research results on the health effects of climate change are also available at [NCBI].