Health at the Heart of Climate Action

As an accredited observer to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), PAN International brings a crucial perspective to global climate discussions. Health is key to climate action and the connection is clear: climate change is a health emergency, food systems are a major driver of emissions, and nutrition impacts not only personal health but also that of the planet.

This was echoed at COP28, where over 140 countries signed the UAE Declaration on Climate and Health, recognising climate change as a pressing health threat and committing to stronger integration of health in climate policy.

At this year’s Bonn Climate Conference, PAN co-hosted a side event focused on protein diversification in food policy. Dietary choices influence not only individual health outcomes but also public health, planetary stability and the resilience of healthcare systems. Increasing the diversity of protein sources, particularly through greater inclusion of plant-based options, offers a strategy that supports both climate goals and improved health across populations. 

Our dialogue in Bonn began with a simple yet urgent question: should health be treated as a welcome side effect of climate action, or should it be the driving force behind it?

Explore the full insights and key takeaways from this vital discussion in our Knowledge Hub.

Teresa Strobel, Managing Director of PAN DACH with Daniela Bergthaler, second chairwoman at PAN DACH & head of PAN Austria.