Cork hosts climate and health summit
Cork City Council welcomed mayors, political leaders, environmental experts and activists, as well as community representatives from across Europe and beyond for the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Summit of Mayors on Climate and Health this week.
The summit took place in Cork City Hall on 5 and 6 October as part of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The event was hosted by Cork City Council in collaboration with the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. It brought together national and city leaders, and experts to examine how local government can respond to the growing impacts of climate change, and build healthier, resilient, and more equitable communities.
Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of the Division of Health Systems of WHO Regional Office for Europe said: "Climate change is a challenge that can be tackled only if we work together across sectors - including health.
"As public health leaders, we have a responsibility to forge partnerships with all stakeholders so that, together, we can continue promoting health and well-being across the WHO European Region and beyond, creating cities and communities that are healthier, more resilient and equitable, while improving peoples' lives today and for generations to come," she said.
Conversations built on the recommendations drawn from the work of the WHO Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH), which was led by former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir.
It showcased how city leadership can translate policy recommendations and scientific evidence into practical, community-centred solutions that improve health and wellbeing.
The summit also featured plenary sessions, workshops, site visits, and high-level political discussions that contributed to the development and adoption of the Cork Call to Action on Climate and Health.
Cork city has been a member of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network for more than a decade and is also recognised as an EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Mission City with an objective of achieving climate neutrality and net-zero emissions by 2030.
The city's first hand experience of community engagement, partnership working, and sustainable urban development will provide a vital context for local leadership and international discussions.
Lord Mayor of Cork City, Cllr Damien Boylan said: "The impacts of climate change are no longer distant or theoretical. They are already affecting the health and wellbeing of our communities.
"Cities are on the frontline of both climate action and public health, and this summit provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen leadership, share experiences, build partnerships, and develop practical solutions that will help create healthier, more sustainable and more resilient communities," he said.
This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.