Climate change is exerting growing pressure on global public health, with extreme weather events and rising temperatures intensifying the spread of infectious diseases and worsening chronic health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) and national governments are responding with integrated strategies to mitigate the health-related impacts of environmental change.
The effects of climate change on human health are complex and far-reaching. As temperatures rise and atmospheric conditions shift, the incidence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases has increased. Prolonged exposure to heatwaves, for example, places significant stress on the body’s thermoregulation, aggravating existing health conditions and increasing the risk of heatstroke, heart attacks, and respiratory distress. Similarly, cold spells constrict blood vessels, elevate blood pressure, and increase cholesterol and fibrinogen levels, heightening the risk of strokes and other cardiovascular complications.
Changes in climate are also influencing the geographical spread of infectious diseases. Vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are now appearing in regions previously unaffected, including high-altitude areas. These changes are largely driven by shifts in temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which affect the breeding patterns and resilience of mosquitoes and other disease vectors. The increased movement of people across regions is further accelerating this spread.
Air pollution, wildfires, and extended periods of extreme heat are increasing the concentration of airborne allergens, damaging respiratory health and contributing to rising cases of asthma and allergic reactions. Climate change has also lengthened the pollen season and increased pollen allergenicity, while events such as thunderstorms have been found to break pollen into smaller particles, which can trigger severe asthma attacks.
Food and water security are other pressing concerns. Climate-related events such as droughts, floods, and crop failures threaten livelihoods and nutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations. The resultant food insecurity and malnutrition further exacerbate health risks, especially among children, the elderly, and people with preexisting conditions.
Mental health is another area of growing concern. Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, which are increasing in frequency and intensity, have been linked to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The psychological burden of displacement, loss of livelihood, and fear of future disasters is becoming an urgent challenge in climate resilience planning.
In response to these growing risks, the WHO has prioritized the integration of health concerns into global climate action frameworks. The organization is promoting its framework for climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems and has launched the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH), which supports countries in enhancing their health sector’s preparedness. ATACH helps ministries of health build capacity through technical training, project development, policy updates, and targeted financing.
The alliance has also facilitated cross-sector cooperation and pilot projects, helping to strengthen climate-health research and operationalize innovative health strategies. Its initiatives focus on aligning climate adaptation and mitigation with public health goals, enabling more systematic responses to global challenges.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) has increasingly spotlighted health in its discussions. COP28 marked a milestone by hosting its first-ever “Health Day” and endorsing the “UAE Declaration on Climate and Health,” urging countries to address extreme heat, air pollution, and food insecurity through climate policies that place health at their core.
The COP28 agreement also called for a transition away from fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and low-carbon technologies in improving air quality and safeguarding health. In the lead-up to COP29, the WHO released two major reports—Health is the Argument for Climate Action and Quality Criteria for Integrating Health into Nationally Determined Contributions—both advocating for the central role of health in climate policy.
As the international community advances a health-centered approach to climate action, the need for cooperation and financial support becomes more urgent. Developed nations are being called on to fulfill their commitments to the global climate fund and provide technological support to developing countries. Such collaboration is essential for building resilient health systems worldwide and ensuring that the global response to climate change is inclusive, effective, and sustainable.
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