NextBillion - A WDI Publication

From heat stress and outbreaks of climate-sensitive diseases to infrastructure disruptions and emergency response failures, climate change is intensifying health risks around the world.

This event will build on new WRI research that makes the case for governments and communities to better anticipate and prepare for climate-related health risks before they escalate — through early warning systems, disease surveillance, public awareness campaigns, workforce development, climate-sensitive planning, and more resilient health facilities. These proactive measures, collectively known as climate services for health, are powerful yet underfunded tools for reducing climate-related sickness and death.

But what does it take to scale climate services for health? How can countries integrate them into national health planning and financing? And what role can international organizations and funders play in accelerating their adoption?

In the lead up to the World Health Assembly, join us for a high-level discussion featuring global leaders and experts on how countries and partners are advancing climate-responsive health systems. This conversation will explore practical pathways to move from evidence to implementation — helping to protect lives, strengthen climate resilience and improve health outcomes in a warming world.

Speakers

Greg Kuzmak, Director, Health Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation
Joy Shumake-Guillemot, Chief of the WHO/WMO Joint Climate and Health Office
Ousmane Ndiaye, Director General, African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development
Nanny Santana Leal de Figueiredo, Technical International Affairs Advisor, Ministry of Health, Brazil
Madeleine Thomson, Head of Climate Impacts, Wellcome Trust
Amir Jina, Assistant Professor, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago
Carter Brandon, Lead Author and Senior Fellow, WRI