This event, jointly organized by the Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will highlight the importance of integrating health into nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to strengthen climate change action, improve population well- being, and accelerate sustainable development, aligned with Actions 1.2 and 2.5 of the Belem Health Action Plan for the Adaptation of the Health Sector to Climate Change.

Climate change affects the core social and environmental determinants of health – clean air, water, nature, food, housing, education, and livelihoods. Emissions from energy, transport, agriculture, industry, and waste sectors drive greenhouse gas and PM₂.₅ emissions that both cause premature mortality and a range of health risks, including those linked to air pollution (e.g. respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancers), extreme heat (e.g. heat stress, high blood pressure), food and water insecurity (e.g. malnourishment), and vector-borne disease (e.g. geographical increases in malaria and dengue). Climate change also threatens sustainable economic development and drives poverty and inequality especially in low- and middle-income countries where the health burdens are also highest.

Integrating health into NDCs offers a strategic opportunity to:
– Address the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change
– Maximize health co-benefits of mitigation and adaptation
– Build climate-resilient health systems
– Reduce health inequalities
– Advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A panel of experts from the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and national governments will come together to discuss why health must be a core component of climate and sustainable development agendas. The discussion will explore the key health impacts of climate change and how these are currently reflected in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), identify existing gaps related to health, adaptation, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and examine how health-inclusive NDCs can support countries in achieving both climate and development objectives. Panelists will also share country experiences in developing and implementing health-integrated NDCs, and reflect on what is needed to ensure their successful implementation and monitoring.