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Climate Change is a Health Emergency, New Report Warns

Climate change is already driving a global health emergency, with over 540,000 people dying from extreme heat each year and 1 in 12 hospitals worldwide at risk of climate-related shutdowns, warns a new special report released today jointly by the World Health Association (WHO), the government of Brazil (COP30 Presidency) and the brazilian ministry of Health.

The COP30 Special report on health and climate change: delivering the Belém Health Action Plan notes that rising temperatures and collapsing health systems are claiming more lives, and calls for immediate and coordinated action to protect health in a rapidly warming world. It follows the launch of the Belém Health Action Plan,a flagship initiative of Brazil’s COP 30 Presidency,unveiled on the dedicated Health Day of COP30 – 13 November 2025.

“The climate crisis is a health crisis – not in the distant future, but here and now,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This special report provides evidence on the impact of climate change on individuals and health systems, and real-world examples of what countries can do – and are doing – to protect health and strengthen health systems.”

With global temperatures now exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels,the world is already experiencing mounting health impacts.The report finds that 3.3 to 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, and hospitals are facing 41% higher risk of damage from extreme weather-related impact compared to 1990. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen and adapt health systems to protect communities from climate-related shocks.

Without rapid decarbonization, the number of health facilities at risk could double by mid-century, highlighting the critical importance of implementing adaptation measures to safeguard health infrastructure.The health sector itself contributes around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and needs a rapid transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient systems.

The report identifies persistent gaps that require urgent attention. Only 54% of national health adaptation plans assess risks to health facilities, and fewer than 30% of health adaptation studies consider income, 20% consider gender, and less than 1% include people with disabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Climate change is currently causing over 540,000 deaths annually due to extreme heat.
• One in twelve hospitals globally is at risk of climate-related shutdowns.
• 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change.
• Hospitals face a 41% higher risk of damage from extreme weather compared to 1990.
• The health sector contributes 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and needs to become more enduring.
• Current health adaptation plans often overlook vulnerable populations like those with disabilities or based on socioeconomic factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the Belém Health Action Plan?

A: The Belém Health Action Plan is a flagship initiative of Brazil’s COP 30 Presidency, designed to address the health impacts of climate change and strengthen health systems.

Q: What is the current global temperature increase?

A: Global temperatures have already exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Q: How much does the health sector contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions?

A: The health sector contributes around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: What percentage of national health adaptation plans assess risks to health facilities?

A: Only 54% of national health adaptation plans assess risks to health facilities.

Published: 2025/11/15 23:50:11