State of Climate Services, 2023

November 10, 2023

A report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has highlighted the insufficient preparedness of the health sector to safeguard people from the impacts of heat and extreme weather events, even as the frequency of such events is expected to increase.

Key Findings of the Report

Rising Climate-Related Disasters:

By 2030, it is predicted that there will be approximately 560 medium- to large-scale disaster events every year, equating to 1.5 events per day. These disasters include heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations:

Extreme weather events resulting from climate change will have a significant impact on the health of the most vulnerable countries and populations. This includes threats from heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Recognition of Climate Threat:

Most national climate plans (NDCs) now recognize climate change as a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Climate targets are increasingly considering the benefits of mitigation activities, including climate services, on human health.

Role of Climate Information and Services:

Climate information and services play a crucial role in reducing disaster risks and mitigating the impact of climate-related hazards on public health.
Despite this, less than 25% of health ministries worldwide use climate information and services to monitor health risks related to climate sensitivity.

Limited Collaboration:

A gap exists between data services provided by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and their utilization by health ministries.
Only 23% of health ministries have a health surveillance system that utilizes meteorological information to monitor climate-sensitive health risks, such as vector-borne diseases and heat stress.
Formal agreements between the Ministry of Health and NMHSs to facilitate data sharing and collaboration are lacking in at least 85% of nations.

Need for Cooperation:

The report emphasizes the need for increased cooperation between government agencies responsible for health and climate. Strengthening partnerships is essential for addressing the climate-health nexus.

Disproportionate Impact on Africa:

Despite being the least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change. The report estimates that around 50% of excess mortality resulting from climate change by 2050 will occur in Africa.
Factors contributing to this health threat in low Human Development Index (HDI) countries, including African nations, include mortality from floods, heat, undernutrition, and the risk of malaria without adequate adaptation.
Heat is identified as the deadliest of extreme weather events, claiming at least 489,000 lives annually between 2000 and 2019.

Climate Services in Africa and Vulnerability:

The report notes that Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean region report the lowest levels of climate services for health. Heat warning services are provided to health authorities in only 50% of affected countries, and only 26 countries have climate-informed, heat-health early warning systems.

Implications of El Nino:

The report warns that the 2023 El Nino is likely to trigger more extreme weather events and elevate global temperatures, potentially leading to catastrophic health consequences for vulnerable populations. Preparation for unprecedented weather events is crucial.

Success Stories and Case Studies:

The report includes case studies from 19 countries that highlight successful utilization of climate services by the health sector to predict and manage health risks associated with climate change.

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