Six Amazing Women Making Strides in Climate and Health

This week, Kate Brandt , the Chief Sustainability Officer at 谷歌 , published a list of six women leading the fight against climate change.

Inspired by her recognition of these leaders, I also wanted to shine a light on exceptional women. We can elevate each other.

Since I joined the World Health Organization , I've had the privilege to work alongside some of these women and learn about the incredible work of others.

They are contributing from their different fields of expertise to drive action for climate and health, and advocate for solutions. Their work gives me hope.?

Allow me to introduce you to these six remarkable women, in no particular order:

1. Maria Neira

I’ve worked with Maria for the last four years. At the helm of WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, she has had a profound impact on our understanding of the intersection between climate change and public health.

She turns evidence into action, and uses her voice to protect our health and our planet.

2. Kalpana Balakrishnan

Dr. Kalpana Balakrishnan is a leading global environmental health scientist in Chennai, India. Her extensive research has helped transform our understanding of the impacts that health pollution has in our health.

3. Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres is the former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). She was key in reaching the Paris Agreement, and back in 2016, she addressed the World Health Assembly and spoke about the links between climate change and health.

She is now the co-host of the “Outrage + Optimism” podcast, and a self defined #StubbornOptimist.? Please subscribe and listen to the stories they tell!

4. Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah

Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah is a Clean Air campaigner and activist. She turned her personal tragedy into a global call to action. Following the death of her daughter, Ella, due to air pollution, she has become a prominent advocate for clean air laws.

She champions the cause of healthier urban environments, revealing the strong connection between climate, air quality, and public health. She inspires both policy changes and individual actions.

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5. Vanessa Nakate

I met Vanessa in Paris last month at the Summit for a new global financing pact, but have followed her work for quite some time. Her speech was inspiring -- and about the people.?

She is a young climate activist, and book author from Uganda. She has been an influential voice in emphasizing the direct impact of climate change on the health and wellbeing of people, particularly in communities most affected by the climate crisis.?

Vanessa’s activism sheds light on how climate change exacerbates health inequities and her passionate advocacy pushes for the international community to take decisive climate action.

6. Vanessa Kerry

Dr. Vanessa Kerry is the first-ever WHO DG Special Envoy for Climate Change and Health. She impressed me with her resilient health systems vision. Dr Kerry, a renowned global health expert and medical doctor and CEO of Seed Global Health, will play a pivotal role in amplifying WHO's climate and health messaging and undertake high-level advocacy.

She is now working with WHO and our partners to drive awareness, develop solutions and build consensus for action.

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The work of these women is so important! They show clearly that every action counts, every voice matters, and that it's never too late to make a difference. The work they do matters for the health of the people, and the planet.