The health of people, animals and our environment – all linked together in an inextricable bond – is at risk. If our planet were a patient, it would be admitted to intensive care. His vital signs are alarming. It's at a fever pitch, with each of the past nine months being the warmest on record as we approach the 1.5 degree mark.

His lung capacity is threatened due to the destruction of forests that absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

And many of the Earth's water resources—its lifeblood—are contaminated. (TEDROS ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, more at telegraph.co.uk)