Last week, on World Meterological Day and in recognition that extreme weather has become the new normal, the United Nations encouraged bold action on climate change. It is in these bold actions that we will see the most change and avoid the worst impacts. When speaking about the Paris agreements, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "Even before the Agreement comes into force, every country, every business and every citizen has a role to play in combating climate change and building a sustainable future for this and future generations." The health sector has a critical role to play in this movement. Climate for Health can point you towards a set of tools to make an impact in your health institution.
World Meteorological Day: As Extreme Weather Becomes 'The New Normal,' UN Urges Bold Climate Action
UN News Centre I March 23, 2016
Observing the World Meteorological Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned today that extreme weather events are becoming “the new normal” and bold climate action is needed to “face the future now.”
“Only by responding decisively to the climate challenge can we avoid the worst impacts of climate change and lay the foundations of a world of peace, prosperity and opportunity for all,” the UN chief said in a message on the Day.
The window of opportunity for limiting global temperature rise to well below two degrees Celsius – the threshold set under the Paris Agreement adopted last December – is narrow and rapidly shrinking, Mr. Ban warned, noting that the effects of a warming planet will be felt by all, including rising sea levels, and extreme weather events, which are becoming “the new normal.”
Next month, on 22 April, world leaders will gather in New York to sign the Paris Agreement. “But, even before the Agreement comes into force, every country, every business and every citizen has a role to play in combating climate change and building a sustainable future for this and future generations,” he said.
