The 2025 Lancet Countdown Report: A Defining Moment for Climate and Health
Released on October 28, 2025, The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change delivers its most urgent message yet: the health impacts of climate change have reached unprecedented—and dangerous—levels.
For the first time, global mean temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial averages in 2024. Despite decades of warnings, greenhouse gas emissions hit record highs, driving worsening heatwaves, food insecurity, infectious disease spread, and displacement.
Authored by 128 experts from multiple disciplines, the 2025 report is the ninth and most comprehensive assessment of how climate change threatens human health. Of its 20 health indicators, 12 have set new records for harm. Progress is not only stalling—it is reversing.
Yet amid these alarming trends, the report also highlights powerful opportunities to accelerate climate action and prevent the worst outcomes.
The Health Emergency Within the Climate Crisis
Delayed adaptation has left populations dangerously exposed to growing hazards. While scientific evidence grows stronger, some world leaders continue to favor short-term political or economic interests, giving fossil fuel corporations cover to weaken or retract climate commitments.
The result: millions of avoidable deaths every year and rising fiscal and health burdens for governments worldwide.
But this is not a story of despair—it’s one of choice and opportunity. A health-centered, just transition can reduce emissions, lower healthcare costs, and improve well-being globally.
Signs of Progress and Hope
Despite political backsliding, momentum is building in key sectors:
Health systems are acting: Health care–related emissions fell 12% between 2021 and 2022.
Global readiness is rising: 60% of WHO member states have completed national adaptation plans.
Education is expanding: Climate and health curricula for health professionals are growing rapidly.
Legal accountability is increasing: In June 2025, the International Court of Justice affirmed states’ legal obligations to reduce emissions and protect the right to health.
The newly adopted Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health offers a unified framework for countries and organizations to protect populations and promote resilient, sustainable health systems.
The Path Forward
The science is clear: there is no time left for delay. Preventing climate change from exceeding humanity’s adaptive capacity demands immediate, bold, and coordinated action from governments, industries, and civil society alike.
While some leaders retreat, others—local governments, communities, civil society, and the health sector—are stepping up. Clean energy growth offers a powerful economic and health opportunity: tackling the largest source of emissions while ensuring healthier air and more sustainable livelihoods.
A Call to Action
The 2025 Lancet Countdown is more than a report—it’s a warning and a roadmap.
To protect human life and planetary health, we must:
Ground every climate policy in health equity and Real Science.
Hold corporations and governments accountable for emissions.
Empower communities and civil society to lead local action.
Counter misinformation with clear, evidence-based communication.
A just, health-centered transition remains within reach—but only if we act now.
