URGENT UPDATE: Experts are sounding alarms that the dual crises of climate change and conflict are drastically worsening global health outcomes. In a groundbreaking report published in The BMJ, they reveal that these forces can create “synergistic effects,” leading to increasingly severe health threats.
The report highlights shocking statistics: from 1995 to 2015, over 10 million child deaths were attributed to conflict. Women of reproductive age living in high-intensity conflict zones faced mortality rates nearly three times higher than those in peaceful regions. The findings underscore an urgent health crisis that is unfolding right now.
During the extreme heatwaves of 2022 and 2024, more than 60,000 heat-related deaths were reported across 32 European countries, with women disproportionately affected. Health systems are not only suffering from the direct loss of life but are also severely impacted by damaged infrastructure and disrupted supply chains, leading to increased risks of undernutrition and the spread of infectious diseases.
The report stresses that climate action—both mitigation and adaptation—is essential for addressing these health crises. However, ongoing conflicts often derail these efforts, diverting vital resources away from climate priorities. For instance, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, funds initially intended for climate mitigation were reallocated to war and reconstruction, severely impacting investment in environmental initiatives.
Moreover, military activities contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for an estimated 5.5% of the global total, with the United States being the largest contributor. The report emphasizes that without addressing the intersection of climate, health, and conflict, sustainable development and peace will remain unattainable.
Experts urge decision-makers at all levels—from local governments to international bodies—to recognize these complex interconnections and intensify climate action, especially in conflict-affected regions. The Climate Conflict Vulnerability Index is highlighted as a promising tool that can identify areas where climate hazards intersect with social vulnerabilities, providing critical insights for effective policy-making.
“Integrating climate action with conflict prevention and peacebuilding is vital to breaking the cycle of escalating climate impacts, deteriorating health, and rising instability,” the report concludes. Strengthening health systems must be a central focus in these efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and conflict.
As this urgent issue continues to evolve, the call for immediate and coordinated action has never been clearer. For more information, refer to the full article in The BMJ titled “Tackling the complex links between climate change, conflict, and health.”
