From Risk to Resilience
The impacts of climate change on global health are intensifying, with over 3.5 billion people living in highly vulnerable areas. By 2050, climate change could cause up to 14.5 million additional deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses globally. As the world approaches the critical 1.5°C threshold, urgent adaptation strategies are needed.
Despite commitments exceeding US $1 billion for climate and health at COP28 and a resolution on climate change and health by WHO member states, a substantial funding gap persists. Vulnerable countries require hundreds of billions annually for adaptation, but current funding levels are insufficient, with minimal access to funds for local stakeholders and only a fraction of global climate finance reaching communities directly.
The Collective MindS Climate x Health Council, the think tank of Foundation S, has developed an actionable framework to promote flexible and accessible financing for locally led adaptations that protect health. To mark the publication of this action report, Foreign Policy, Foundation S, and the Africa-Europe Foundation will host a high-level event at UNGA, bringing together academics, policymakers, and advocates. This event will spotlight how those working at the intersection of climate and health can unlock the potential of locally led adaptations, propose solutions to increase health care systems resilience, and address barriers to climate and health financing to ensure that funding reaches those most in need.