High level Launch: State of Climate Services for Health

The climate sustains life and people’s health, but also poses important threats to wellbeing, through exposure to extreme weather and influences on life-sustaining ecosystems. The world is warming at a faster rate than at any point in recorded history. Climate change undermines health determinants and increases pressures on health systems threatening to reverse decades of progress to promote human health and well-being, particularly in the most vulnerable communities. However, climate information and services can better help in assessing the impact of climate change on health. They help decision-makers anticipate and plan for future risks, enhance communication to health professionals, identify vulnerable populations, predict high-risk areas and times, and guide effective interventions.

The 2023 State of Climate Services Report, prepared by WMO and 32 partners organizations and initiatives, highlights progress made in climate services for health globally and identifies where and how governments can invest in effective climate services to strengthen countries' resilience to multiple weather, water, and climate-related hazards.

Bringing together both implementing and funding organizations, the launch event will present the report's findings and lessons learned to help countries, funding agencies and development partners assess which are the steps needed to address gaps in the health climate services value chain to achieve greater resilience, improve adaptation/mitigation and development outcomes. The event will also highlight examples of how climate services contribute to improved socio-economic outcomes, showcasing real-world climate services examples for the health sector.