A new report jointly released by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Brazil, and the Brazilian Ministry of Health highlights the urgent health crisis driven by climate change. With over 540,000 fatalities linked to extreme heat annually and one in twelve hospitals globally at risk of climate-related shutdowns, the stakes are alarmingly high. The report, titled “COP30 Special Report on Health and Climate Change: Delivering the Belém Health Action Plan,” underscores the need for immediate, coordinated action to safeguard health amid rising global temperatures and increasingly fragile health systems.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the immediate nature of the threat, stating, “The climate crisis is a health crisis — not in the distant future, but here and now.” The report provides evidence of climate change’s impact on health systems and showcases global examples of protective measures already underway.
The findings reveal that global temperatures have surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, affecting 3.3 to 3.6 billion people in highly vulnerable regions. Hospitals now face a 41% higher risk of damage from extreme weather compared to 1990. Without rapid decarbonization, the number of health facilities at risk could double by mid-century. The health sector, responsible for approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, requires an urgent shift towards low-carbon, climate-resilient systems.
The report identifies critical gaps in national health adaptation plans, noting that only 54% assess risks to health facilities. Furthermore, fewer than 30% of health adaptation studies consider income, 20% consider gender, and less than 1% include people with disabilities. Professor Nick Watts, Chair of the Expert Advisory Group, stated, “The evidence is clear: protecting health systems is one of the smartest investments any country can make.”
Progress has been noted, with the number of countries implementing national Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems doubling to 101 between 2015 and 2023, now covering two-thirds of the global population. However, only 46% of Least Developed Countries and 39% of Small Island Developing States have effective systems.
The report calls for governments to integrate health objectives into Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans, harness financial savings from decarbonization to fund health adaptation, invest in resilient infrastructure, and empower communities to shape responses that reflect lived realities. A companion report, focusing on social participation and governance, stresses the importance of community involvement in health policy design and implementation.
Dr. Alexandre Padilha, Brazil’s Minister of Health, highlighted COP30’s significance, saying, “The report provides clear data and evidence that climate change is already directly affecting health systems around the world. Recent tragedies show that now is the time to implement policies and actions that address the impacts of climate change on health.”
The Belém Health Action Plan, a key outcome of Brazil’s COP30 Presidency, is built on principles of health equity and climate justice. It outlines actions for climate-resilient health systems, including surveillance, evidence-based policies, and innovation. The COP30 special report, guided by an Expert Advisory Group, draws on over 70 global case studies to identify practical interventions, from early warning systems to sustainable financing. For more details, refer to the World Health Organization’s announcement.
