We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new independent advisory and supervisory Board to the Lancet Countdown.
This milestone follows a period of growth and evolution for the programme. The new Board will provide strategic guidance and performance oversight, supporting the Lancet Countdown in maintaining its impact and integrity as a leading voice on climate change and health.
Chaired by the Rt Hon Helen Clark, the Board will work closely with Executive Director Dr Marina Romanello and our global network of experts and staff.
Board members bring extensive experience across climate and health, with backgrounds spanning scientific research, finance, diplomacy, and strategic engagement.
“It is a delight to bring together this formidable board to help drive the ambition and impact of the Lancet Countdown as it pursues a new phase of work,” said Helen Clark. “This Board brings deep and diverse expertise, along with a shared commitment to tackling the health challenges of climate change. I have no doubt their contribution will be both influential and invaluable.”
The Lancet Countdown board comprises eight members:
- Rt Hon Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand; Member of The Elders; Patron of the Helen Clark Foundation
- Tom Brookes, CEO, Meliore Foundation
- Laura Clarke, CEO, ClientEarth
- Dr Githinji Gitahi, Group CEO, Amref Health Africa
- Prof Peng Gong, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong
- Dr Maria Neira, Director for Environment, Climate Change and Health, WHO
- Dr Oyun Sanjaasuren, Director of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, Green Climate Fund
- Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist, WHO
“I’m delighted to welcome this impressive Board to the Lancet Countdown,” said Dr Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown. “Each member brings a proven track record of leadership in their field. Their collective insight will be invaluable as we continue to act as a trusted knowledge broker, accelerating action for a healthy, sustainable future.”
Read more about our board members here!
About the Lancet Countdown
The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change exists to monitor the links between public health and climate change, and the transition from health threat to opportunity. Receiving core funding from Wellcome, we are a global collaboration of almost 300 leading experts from academic institutions and UN agencies across the globe, bringing together climate scientists, engineers, energy specialists, economists, political scientists, public health professionals and doctors.
Each year our findings are published in the medical journal The Lancet ahead of the UN climate change negotiations. Our data makes clear how climate change is affecting our health, the consequences of delayed action and the health benefits of a robust response.