Governments should show climate and health ambition in their nationally determined contributions

The world is getting hotter.Current emission reduction efforts set the world on course to reach about 3.1C above pre-industrial temperatures by 2100.Even if countries take further action and fully deliver on existing national climate targets for 2030, this would still lead to an increase of 2.3-2.5C. 1 Temperature rises of this scale would cause catastrophic climate and health harms.Already, many countries' healthcare systems are under pressure and struggling to deliver universal health coverage. 2thout immediate and transformative global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, worsening health hazards will rapidly exceed the limits of adaptation in many settings.The world's highest greenhouse gas emitting countries and biggest economies need to make the largest reductions to their emissions.G20 member states (excluding the African Union) were responsible for 77% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024, whereas least developed countries accounted for only about 3%. 1 If countries were to take ambitious climate mitigation and adaptation action across all sectors, this would not only avert the worst health effects, but would also offer additional health gains through clean air, safe water, nutritious food, and safe active travel, thereby protecting lives, health systems, ecosystems, and economies.