Climate Change Should Be a Global Health Emergency: Lancet Report

Climate Change Could Become a Global Health Emergency, New Report Warns

— The 2026 Lancet Countdown says the health risks are rising faster than the response

London, October 28, 2026: Climate change should be recognised as a global health emergency, researchers have warned in a new report, highlighting the growing impact of extreme heat and other climate-related threats on human health.

The recommendation comes from the 2026 Lancet Countdown report, which examines the links between climate change and public health. Researchers say the health risks are increasing while international action remains insufficient.

Heat-Related Deaths Raise Concerns

The report highlights the growing number of deaths associated with extreme heat. Rising temperatures can increase the risk of heatstroke, worsen existing health conditions and put additional pressure on hospitals.

People who work outdoors, older adults and those without access to cooling are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.

The people most at risk from extreme heat are often the ones least able to escape it — outdoor workers, older adults, and households without air conditioning.

Climate Change Affects More Than the Environment

Researchers warn that climate change can affect food production, air quality, livelihoods and access to healthcare.

Extreme weather events can also damage hospitals and disrupt essential medical services, making it harder for communities to respond to health emergencies.

• Extreme heat: rising deaths, heatstroke risk and pressure on hospitals.
• Vulnerable groups: outdoor workers, older adults, and those without cooling access.
• Wider impact: food production, air quality, livelihoods and healthcare access.
• Health systems: extreme weather can damage hospitals and disrupt medical services.

Researchers Call for Stronger Global Action

The report calls for climate change to be formally recognised as a global health emergency and urges governments to take stronger action.

This is a recommendation from researchers, not an announcement that the World Health Organization has formally declared a global health emergency.

The findings add to growing international pressure on governments to reduce emissions and protect people from climate-related health risks.

Important distinction: this is a researcher recommendation — not an official WHO declaration. But the pressure on governments to act is very real. 🌡️