Environment, Climate, and Health

Human health is inseparable from the health of the environment. Climate change, air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, changing food systems, urbanization, and disruptions to natural ecosystems influence disease patterns, living conditions, and access to essential resources. These interconnected pressures affect physical and mental health and require approaches that recognize the close relationship between the health of people, animals, and the planet.

Around 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change.

Climate change is projected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone.

The combined effects of outdoor and household air pollution are associated with approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually.

In highly vulnerable regions, the death rate from extreme weather events over the past decade was 15 times higher than in less vulnerable regions.

Climate change is already affecting health worldwide. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, air pollution, food and water insecurity, and changing patterns of infectious disease are increasing illness, displacement, and pressure on health systems.

These risks are not distributed equally. Communities with fewer resources and limited access to healthcare are often more exposed and have less capacity to adapt. At the same time, environmental and health policies are still frequently developed in isolation.

Protecting health requires placing it at the center of climate and development policy, strengthening climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems, and advancing cooperation across sectors. One Health approaches that connect human, animal, and environmental health are essential to preventing risks and building healthier, more sustainable societies.

Around 3.6 billion people already live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change.

Climate change is projected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050 from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress alone.

The combined effects of outdoor and household air pollution are associated with approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually.

In highly vulnerable regions, the death rate from extreme weather events over the past decade was 15 times higher than in less vulnerable regions.

Environment, Climate, and Health

Why It Matters

Why It Matters

WHS 2026 Session Highlights

Launch of the Findings from the Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health

Using Health Evidence to Unlock Faster, Fairer Climate Action

Community-Driven One Health in Action

Societies and Trust in Science

Malnutrition Screening for Stronger Health Systems: From Evidence to Action

Low-Carbon Health Systems: Driving Innovation to Accelerate Adoption

Preventing the Next Pandemic: Why One Health Can Fundamentally Change Global Health Security and Equity

Ecological Determinants of Resilient Health Systems