Investing in Climate Services for Health: A Global Imperative
A recent report highlights the critical need for countries to invest in climate services for health to mitigate the impacts of climate change on healthcare systems. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), climate-related disasters could result in $21 trillion in economic losses and nearly 16 million deaths across low- and middle-income countries by 2050. Extreme heat, diseases like malaria and cholera, and disruptions to healthcare facilities are already affecting regions such as India, Kenya, and Latin America. For instance, temperatures in India have reached 108°F (42°C), while Kenya has faced deadly floods that damaged health facilities. The report emphasizes that for every $1 invested in climate-health preparedness, countries can generate up to $68 in health benefits, depending on the scenario. These investments include early-warning systems, disease surveillance, and making health infrastructure more resilient to climate impacts. 
