15 December, 2009 ¦ Copenhagen -- One Foundation founder and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador Jet Li has signaled his commitment to supporting world leaders in reaching a comprehensive global climate agreement by today signing up to the United Nations "Seal the Deal" Campaign.

        The "Seal the Deal" Campaign aims to galvanize political will and public support for reaching a new climate agreement during the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

        Jet Li is participating in the Copenhagen meeting in his capacity as the founder of the One Foundation and WHO Goodwill Ambassador. Jet Li is also participating in various activities during the Copenhagen event, including two public events in Copenhagen on Tuesday 15 December to raise awareness on the humanitarian impacts of climate change.

        The public health risks posed by climate change are immense. Some of the largest burdens of disease are highly sensitive to climate, including the 900,000 annual deaths of the world’s most vulnerable from malaria, the 1.8 million from diarrhoea, and 3.5 million from malnutrition. In humanitarian settings and developing countries, hospitals, clinics and other health infrastructure is often weak and at the mercies of the harmful impacts of climate change, such as cyclones and typhoons.

        "Much can be done already to reduce the harmful impacts of climate change on health, including by making health facilities stronger and more able to withstand disasters," Jet Li said. "But I believe that a comprehensive climate agreement in Copenhagen could help strengthen national capacities in disaster risk reduction and disaster preparedness that could, in turn, save lives and protect public and social health and wellbeing in all respects."

        Nine out of every 10 disasters recorded are now climate related. Rising temperatures and more frequent floods, droughts and storms affect millions of people’s lives.

        The Seal the Deal petition serves as a reminder that the Copenhagen meeting must produce a fair, balanced and effective agreement that protects our planet and builds a more sustainable, prosperous global economy that will benefit all nations and people.

For details on events Jet Li is participating in as part of Humanitarian Day, please read below:

15 Dec, 10am: Human impact of climate change/ humanitarian concerns including water scarcity, youth, food insecurity, DRR, public health, migration/displacement. Venue: Kongens Nytorv Square, central Copenhagen.

15 Dec, 1.30pm-3pm: Public dialogue: ‘Leaders of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow’ Tackling the humanitarian consequences of climate change. Speakers include: Jet Li, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes, IFRC Secretary-General Bekele Geleta, and Realizing Rights President Mary Robinson; as well as youth representatives from various countries. Venue: Politiken Center.