As the world experiences warming at an unprecedented rate, climate change is increasingly impacting global health, said a comprehensive report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Vulnerable communities are particularly at risk, and urgent action is needed to address this growing threat.
GLOBAL HEALTH; CLIMATE SCIENCE TO SUPPORT HEALTH
The report emphasizes the need for tailored climate information and services to assist the health sector in coping with extreme weather, deteriorating air quality, changing disease patterns, and food and water security challenges. The effects of climate change on health are increasingly visible and require robust responses.
While the majority of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) provide climate data to the health sector, uptake remains limited. A minority of Ministries of Health have surveillance systems utilizing meteorological information to monitor climate-sensitive health risks.
GLOBAL HEALTH; RISING CLIMATE-RELATED MORTALITY
Heat waves are highlighted as a leading cause of extreme weather-related mortality, but the true impact may be underestimated. Heat-related mortality could be up to 30 times higher than currently recorded figures. Heat warning services reach only half of the affected countries, but this is expected to improve under the international Early Warnings for All initiative.
Climate change intensifies air pollution, which is already responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. Air pollution has risen to the fourth leading cause of death globally, exceeding other well-recognized risk factors for chronic diseases.
Climate change exacerbates food insecurity, with a 29% increase in global land area affected by extreme drought compared to past decades. The compounding impacts of droughts and heatwaves have led to millions of additional people facing moderate to severe food insecurity.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND HEALTH
Changing climatic conditions contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases. For example, dengue is spreading rapidly, and the malaria transmission season is lengthening in certain regions. Climate change affects a range of health determinants, necessitating comprehensive action in water, food security, nutrition, and air quality.
TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE NEEDED
Institutional development and integration across the health and climate sectors are required to fully leverage climate services for health. The report underscores the necessity for investment in the capacity of the health sector and calls for a significant shift in hydrometeorological investments to align with health outcomes.
The World Meteorological Congress in 2023 approved a 10-year strategy to advance integrated climate, environment, and health science and services in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners.
This report underscores that climate change and health are intertwined challenges that demand immediate and coordinated efforts to protect human health and well-being, especially in vulnerable populations.