Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Chair of the Lancet Countdown Board

“This report is a stark warning that climate change is a health emergency. What’s missing is not evidence, but the political will to act on it. Governments must double down on their climate action commitments and rebuild momentum for international co-operation.”

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization

“The evidence is undeniable: climate change is one of the greatest threats to health facing humanity. Its impacts are already being seen through worsening heat stress, extreme weather events, food insecurity and disease.  But this report also reminds us that the solutions are within reach. By placing health at the heart of climate policies, we can save millions of lives, build more resilient societies, and deliver a healthier future for all.”   

Professor Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown

“Real progress has been made in clean energy, health system readiness, and health-protective regulation, all of which are already delivering health benefits to local communities. However, progress has been too slow, too small, and isn’t reaching those who need it most.

That is why we are calling for climate change to be formally recognised as a global health emergency, with health placed at the centre of every climate decision.”