Experts warn that climate change and conflicts act synergistically, leading to worsened and more complex health crises, including millions of child deaths and reproductive-age women’s mortality in conflict zones.
Heat-related deaths increasingly affect women, with recent European summers causing over 60,000 fatalities. Fragile populations face disrupted food supplies, healthcare, and increased disease risks.
Conflict Disrupts Climate Action
War diverts investments away from essential mitigation and adaptation strategies, while military activities themselves significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
A coordinated approach combining climate action, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding, supported by scientific tools like the Climate Conflict Vulnerability Index, is vital to break the cycle of escalating health and instability risks.
Strengthening Health Systems as a Priority
Building resilient health systems in conflict and climate-affected regions is key for sustainable development and protecting human health amid growing environmental and geopolitical challenges.
