28 October 2026 – The 2026 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change published today reveals a growing global health emergency and a dangerous gap between escalating climate-related health risks and the action needed to protect people.
The report estimates that 710,000 people died from heat-related causes in 2023, with more than 70% of these deaths attributable to climate change and therefore avoidable. Yet committed international finance met only one-third of developing countries' disclosed health adaptation needs. Meanwhile, rather than scaling back fossil fuel production, the world's 100 largest oil and gas companies have increased their projected output for 2040 by 41% since the Paris Agreement came into force in 2016, with 85% of these companies expanding their production plans.
“These findings expose a devastating contradiction: while people are dying and health systems struggle to cope, investment in protecting them falls short and fossil fuel companies continue planning for a future that puts even more lives at risk. With this year’s El Niño adding to concerns about climate-related emergencies, we cannot keep waiting for the next disaster to act. Governments, philanthropy, and the private sector must urgently invest in preparedness and resilient healthcare, while driving systemic change and accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels – Health professionals must have a voice in shaping that future,” said Emily Bancroft, CEO of Health Care Without Harm.
The findings come at a critical moment for climate and health policy. Health Care Without Harm Europe and the European Federation of Nurses Associations are calling for stronger protections for healthcare workers and climate-resilient hospitals through the EU's Climate Resilience Framework, also published today. Ahead of COP31, Health Care Without Harm is also leading a coalition of 18 health organizations representing millions of professionals, calling for a dedicated health workforce pillar within the Antalya Initiative for Resilient Health Systems.
Healthcare has always been about anticipating harm, not simply responding once it occurs. As El Niño raises concerns about further climate-related emergencies, the priority must be to act before hospitals are overwhelmed and essential services disrupted, while supporting communities already facing these impacts. By connecting health professionals, sharing practical solutions, and mobilizing investment, we can turn climate warnings into stronger, more resilient healthcare systems that protect the most vulnerable, while accelerating the systemic changes needed to address the root causes of the crisis.
Note for editors:
On 2 November 2026, at 13:00 UTC, Health Care Without Harm and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) will co-host an online debrief of the 2026 Lancet Countdown report. The event will bring together researchers and health professionals to unpack the report's latest findings and discuss their implications for health systems, climate policy, and action ahead of COP31.
The event is also supported by the World Federation of Public Health Associations and the Climate and Health Alliance, with acknowledgment from the Lancet Countdown.
Register for the event here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ML-1RAZ_Sqyfug_5kTXggg#/registration
Media contact:
For interviews and comments, contact
Mariana Abdalla
press@hcwh.org
+55 21 99823 5563 / mabdalla@hcwh.org
Health Care Without Harm is an international organization that mobilizes and equips the health sector to reduce its environmental impact and deliver more sustainable healthcare. Operating as an international federation, we support health systems, healthcare organizations, and health professionals to drive decarbonization, reduce plastics, and adapt facilities so they remain operational during climate disasters, while strengthening capacity in communities most vulnerable to climate impacts. Through dedicated regional networks and campaigns, we collaborate with strategic partners across the world to drive hospital transformation, national policy advocacy, and lasting planetary impact.