The World Health Organization (WHO) hosted the “Roundtable on Proactive Health at 1.5°C” in Geneva, in collaboration with cities and research institutions from China and Europe. The event was organized by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Universal Health Coverage at Peking University and the Ningyuan Institute of Climate and Sustainable Development. Participants from the WHO Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, Baoting Autonomous County (China), the city of Vichy (France), Peking University, the West China Hospital of Sichuan University and European experts on thermalism, nutrition and standardization discussed integrated climate and health measures.

A key success was the launch of the Geneva 1.5°C Proactive Health Initiative, the first global platform for science, industry and government focused on climate and health solutions in cities. The roundtable focused on three topics: a new paradigm of “1.5°C Proactive Health”, innovative practices “from lab to community” and urban implementation measures.

The new paradigm emphasizes the health benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. WHO experts pointed to climate risks such as heatwaves, natural disasters and biodiversity loss, which promote respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, infections and malnutrition. Air pollution causes seven million premature deaths every year, as 99% of the world’s population is exposed to levels above the WHO limits.

In the area of innovation, institutions presented case studies on air quality, urban health assessment, heat therapies, green spaces, green hospitals, sustainable nutrition and product labeling. Urban measures in Baoting and Vichy demonstrated the use of natural therapies and climate-adapted health planning.

The Geneva 1.5°C Initiative is based on three pillars: a shared vision for proactive health, promotion of research and practice, and a global alliance for collaboration. The “1.5°C Proactive Health International Alliance” will create an innovation network supported by task forces for interdisciplinary projects. Baoting and Vichy signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate in balneotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, professional exchange and research.

The WHO praised the initiative for its innovative strength and global leadership. Experts emphasized the need for a comprehensive health model that integrates prevention, diagnosis, rehabilitation and wellness. Strategic recommendations include cross-sectoral engagement, updated air quality guidelines and vertical support mechanisms.

Baoting and Vichy presented local approaches: Baoting is utilizing ecological resources for a proactive health city, while Vichy is developing a health ecosystem around thermal springs. The WHO proposed to establish Baoting as a pilot zone for health programs and toolkits and emphasized China’s pioneering role in global climate health.

Next steps include the initiation of a China-EU research initiative, the establishment of the “Proactive 1.5°C Health Alliance” and the designation of Baoting as a pilot zone for proactive health to drive international projects in natural therapies, digital health and nutrition.

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