Weather and climate are inextricably linked to some of the most fundamental determinants of human health such as clean air and water, adequate food and shelter, and the distribution and occurrence of disease. Heat and cold waves, tropical cyclones, floods and droughts claim many lives and heighten the transmission of diseases each year. Factors indirectly related to weather and climate – food security and non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases resulting from exposure to poor air quality – also cause the death and illness of many people. Furthermore, the proliferation of communicable water-borne and vector-borne diseases, due to favorable conditions particularly triggered by climate variability, result in a huge cost to society and the economy.  Understanding the relationship between climate and health is fundamental when taking preventative action against climate related health risks. It is a challenge for the health community to access, recognize, understand, interpret and apply available climate information. Likewise, the climate services community often does not fully appreciate all public health concerns and needs, and the role climate services can play to support public health. The Global Framework for Climate Services aims to help bridge these gaps. It will foster collaboration to develop reliable health and climate-related tools and services for various time scales – from months to seasons, decades and longer. These services will support health priorities such as improving disease surveillance, and extending the lead-time to prevent and prepare for climate related outbreaks and emergencies.

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In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 138 - We recognize that health is a precondition for and an outcome and indicator of all three dimensions of sustainable development. We understand the goals of sustainable development can only be achieved in the absence of a high prevalence of debilitating communicable and non-communicable diseases, and where populations can reach a state of physical, mental and social well-being. We are convinced that action on the social and environmental determinants of health, both for the poor and the vulnerable and for the entire population, is important to create inclusive, equitable, economically productive and healthy societies. We call for the full realization of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

WHO publishes a report on health. For instance, the World health report 2013 "Research for universal health coverage" argues that universal health coverage – with full access to high-quality services for prevention, treatment and financial risk protection – cannot be achieved without the evidence provided by scientific research. In addition, according to the World health report 2010 "Health systems financing - the path to universal coverage", good health is essential to human welfare and to sustained economic and social development. WHO Member States have set themselves the target of developing their health financing systems to ensure that all people can use health services, while being protected against financial hardship associated with paying for them.

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In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph 138 - We recognize that health is a precondition for and an outcome and indicator of all three dimensions of sustainable development. We understand the goals of sustainable development can only be achieved in the absence of a high prevalence of debilitating communicable and non-communicable diseases, and where populations can reach a state of physical, mental and social well-being. We are convinced that action on the social and environmental determinants of health, both for the poor and the vulnerable and for the entire population, is important to create inclusive, equitable, economically productive and healthy societies. We call for the full realization of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.