WMO’s State of Climate Services Report

November 4, 2023

As the world witnesses a faster warming trend than ever before, the global population’s health is increasingly at risk. Climate change poses a substantial threat to public health, particularly in vulnerable communities. A multi-agency report coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) emphasizes the urgent need for accessible climate information and services to support the health sector. This report is part of WMO’s annual State of Climate Services series and focuses on health-related challenges.

Climate Change’s Impact on Health

Climate change introduces a range of health challenges, including extreme weather events, deteriorating air quality, shifting disease patterns, and food and water insecurity. These factors threaten to undermine decades of progress in health and well-being, especially in vulnerable communities.

Growing Urgency for Climate Action

With heatwaves impacting nearly the entire planet, the onset of El Nino in 2023 is expected to exacerbate temperature records and extreme heat events globally. This situation underscores the urgency of addressing climate change’s effects on health.

Collaborative Solutions Needed

Collaboration and investment are essential to enhance the impact of climate science and services on health. Strengthening partnerships can ensure that the health sector receives the support it needs to combat the growing challenges posed by climate change.

Real-World Success Stories

The report showcases real-world case studies from around the world, illustrating how integrated climate and health action can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Examples include early warning systems for extreme heat, pollen monitoring for allergy sufferers, and satellite surveillance for climate-sensitive diseases.

The Climate-Health Crisis

The report emphasizes that the climate crisis is, in essence, a health crisis. Climate change intensifies extreme weather events, fuels disease outbreaks, and contributes to higher rates of noncommunicable diseases.

Early Warning Systems Vital

The report highlights the importance of early warning systems, particularly in the face of an anticipated increase in the number of large-scale disaster events. Countries with limited early warning coverage experience significantly higher disaster mortality rates.

The Hidden Impact of Extreme Heat

Extreme heat, responsible for the most fatalities among all extreme weather events, often goes underestimated. Heat-related mortality could be up to 30 times higher than reported figures. Despite this, heat warning services are available in only half of the affected countries.

Air Quality and Climate Change

Climate change exacerbates air pollution, which is already responsible for millions of premature deaths annually. Addressing air quality is crucial for public health, yet only a small fraction of climate finance is explicitly aimed at tackling air pollution.

Food Insecurity Worsens

Climate change heightens the risk of food insecurity as droughts and heatwaves become more prevalent. This leads to a rise in food insecurity rates, impacting millions of people worldwide.

Impact on Disease Transmission

Changing climatic conditions enhance the transmission of infectious diseases related to water, food, and vectors. For example, dengue is spreading rapidly, and the malaria transmission season has lengthened in certain areas.

The Complex Challenges

The report identifies critical challenges at the intersections of water, food security, nutrition, infectious diseases, and extreme weather and air quality, particularly in urban areas.

Preparing for the Future

To address these challenges, institutional development and integration between the health and climate sectors must undergo transformational change. Adequate investment is crucial to prepare the health community for the potential shocks and pressures brought on by climate variability and change.

A Collaborative Effort

Recognizing the need for action, the World Meteorological Congress approved a 10-year strategy to advance integrated climate, environment, and health science and services in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners. This strategy aims to tackle the pressing challenges at the intersection of climate and health from 2023 to 2033.

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