A new World Health Organization (WHO) report has highlighted the substantial health and economic gains that could follow the global implementation of six proven climate interventions. Together, these measures could prevent an estimated 1.6 million deaths annually, generate US$3.9 trillion in economic welfare benefits, and deliver another US$5.4 trillion in fiscal gains each year. The findings, published in the report Global Benefits and Costs of Prioritized Actions on Climate Change and Health, offer an economic perspective on climate interventions that are often viewed primarily through an environmental lens.

The analysis suggests that protecting public health and reducing emissions could also deliver considerable financial returns. The six recommended interventions include heat-health warning systems, climate-resilient drinking water services, basic sanitation, hygiene and handwashing…