Abstract

As the world warms at a faster rate than at any point in recorded history, human health is on the frontline. Climate change threatens to reverse decades of progress towards better health and well-being, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. Scientific know-how and resources can help redress the balance, but are not sufficiently accessible or utilized.

World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) annual State of Climate Services report this year focuses on health. It highlights the need for tailored climate information and services to support the health sector in the face of more extreme weather and poor air quality, shifting infectious disease patterns and food and water insecurity.

This report, which includes input from more than 30 collaborating partners, examines the current state of climate services for health, and presents a series of next steps, recommendations and case studies. It features case studies from around the world showcasing how integrated climate and health action makes a very real difference in people's daily life. This includes early warnings systems for extreme heat, pollen monitoring to help allergy sufferers and satellite surveillance for climate-sensitive diseases. Nearly three-quarters of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) provide climate data to the health sector, but the uptake is limited. Less than one quarter of Ministries of Health have a health surveillance system that utilizes meteorological information to monitor climate-sensitive health risks.