3.2 PLANETARY HEALTH & CLIMATE CHANGE
“ With foresight, trust in science
Our recently released joint report, Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress, on the growing global health challenges posed by extreme heat, highlights key measures to protect workers. It also warns of long-term economic impacts, noting that productivity drops by 2–3% for every degree above 20°C. At the national level, partnerships between meteorological and health institutions are no longer optional; they are essential. When we align science, operations and policy across these critical sectors, we go from generating forecasts to delivering intelligence – intelligence that saves lives, protects health and economic systems, and informs investment. BUILDING CLIMATE-RESILIENT HEALTH SYSTEMS Yet profound challenges remain. Only 0.2% of climate adaptation finance currently reaches health systems. Data gaps, capacity disparities and siloed governance leave vulnerable communities exposed. Governance for extreme heat and air pollution remains fragmented, with limited cross-sectoral coordination or long-term strategies. In short, political choices – not technical barriers – stand in the way. The choices before us are clear. Leaders must: • Recognise that climate and health systems
and political will, fracture can become the force that galvanises collective resilience”
are interdependent – and design our institutions and financing around that reality. Shift from a reactive model to a preparedness model – investing in intelligence today to avoid losses tomorrow. Embed evidence-informed decision-making across both climate and health policy. Drastically increase investment in climate-resilient health systems. Break down silos between sectors to foster true integration. Empower vulnerable communities to be at the heart of surveillance, preparedness and response.
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The theme of this year’s Health: A Political Choice issue, ‘The Future of Health in a Fractured World’, reminds us that fracture does not have to mean fragility. With foresight, trust in science and political will, fracture can become the force that galvanises collective resilience. The window is narrow. The choices we make between now and 2030 will determine whether health systems crumble under climate stress or emerge stronger, more integrated and more equitable. The WMO is committed to ensuring that data, forecasts and early warnings continue to serve as a trusted foundation for this transformation. By aligning climate and health action today, we can prevent tomorrow’s crises and build a healthier, more resilient world for all. ▪
ABDULLA AL MANDOUS Abdulla Al Mandous was elected president of the World Meteorological Organization in 2023. He is also director general at the National Center of Meteorology of the United Arab Emirates and has been the UAE’s permanent representative to the WMO since 2008. He previously held several leadership positions spanning nearly two decades at various top governmental bodies responsible for atmospheric and seismographic monitoring and water resource management. X-TWITTER @DrAAlMandous wmo.int
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Health: A Political Choice – The Future of Health in a Fractured World
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