URGENT UPDATE: Experts are sounding the alarm on the deadly combination of climate change and conflict, stating it poses an unprecedented threat to global health. In a groundbreaking report published in The BMJ, researchers reveal that the synergistic effects of these crises lead to complex health outcomes that demand immediate attention.
From 1995 to 2015, conflicts were linked to over 10 million child deaths, highlighting the devastating impact of violence on vulnerable populations. Women of reproductive age in high-intensity conflict zones face mortality rates that are a staggering three times higher than those in peaceful areas. The report emphasizes that this is not just a crisis of direct violence; climate-related factors exacerbate health risks, particularly in regions already suffering from instability.
The findings are alarming: during the extreme heatwaves of 2022 and 2024, over 60,000 heat-related deaths occurred across 32 European countries, with women disproportionately affected. The combined impacts of climate change and ongoing conflicts threaten health infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and limit access to food and essential services, significantly increasing the risk of undernutrition and the spread of infectious diseases.
As nations grapple with these challenges, experts stress that urgent climate action—both mitigation and adaptation—is critical. However, ongoing conflicts often divert resources from necessary climate initiatives. For example, following Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s investments in climate mitigation were drastically reduced as funds were redirected to war efforts and reconstruction.
Moreover, military activities themselves contribute significantly to climate change, with estimates suggesting they account for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with the United States as the largest contributor.
In their report, experts call for decision-makers—from local governments to international bodies—to recognize the intricate relationship between climate, health, and conflict. They advocate for a commitment to scaling up climate action, particularly in fragile states affected by conflict.
One promising tool highlighted is the Climate Conflict Vulnerability Index, designed to pinpoint areas where climate and conflict hazards intersect with social vulnerabilities. This index could be pivotal in establishing effective strategies for mitigating risks.
“Only by integrating climate action with conflict prevention and peacebuilding can we disrupt the vicious cycle of escalating climate impacts, deteriorating health, and rising instability,” the report concludes. Strengthening health systems should be at the forefront of these efforts, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need.
As the world faces these critical challenges, the time for action is now. The intersection of climate change and conflict requires immediate and coordinated global responses to safeguard health and ensure a sustainable future for all.
For more details, read the full report in The BMJ.
