A new report from 80 scientists warns that climate-related health risks to mothers and infants, such as increased miscarriages and premature births, are largely missing from national climate action plans, posing urgent concerns ahead of the Cop29 summit.
In short:
- Extreme climate events, from heat waves to flooding, have been linked to higher rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, and cognitive harm in newborns, especially in low-income regions.
- Only a small fraction of global climate plans include maternal and newborn health protections, despite evidence of rising risks to women and infants.
- The report also flags critical risks from warming, including Amazon rainforest collapse and deteriorating infrastructure, calling for immediate action on climate financing and equitable policies.
Key quote:
“Preparedness for heat extremes, including early warning systems, must be a priority. Without action, the consequences could be catastrophic.”
— Prof. Jemilah Mahmood, Sunway Centre for Planetary Health
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies, vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women and infants, face heightened health risks. Including maternal and newborn health in climate action plans is essential to mitigate preventable harm and ensure equitable protection against the worst effects of global warming.
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