The world Health Organisation (WHO) is set to open the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) with a dedicated Health Day on November 9, 2026, to address the growing impact of climate change on human health.
The event will bring together health ministers, government representatives and experts to discuss solutions around climate change, air pollution, energy and public health. It will also feature panel discussions and a ministerial roundtable focused on building resilient health systems. According to WHO’s 2025 Health and Climate Change Global Survey, although countries have knowledge of effective climate-health interventions, inadequate funding and implementation remain major challenges.
To bridge this gap, the COP31 Presidency will launch the Antalya Initiative for Health Resilience (AIR), a voluntary initiative designed to help countries share experiences, develop effective policies and strengthen their health systems against climate-related risks.
WHO also disclosed that approximately 3.5 billion people live in areas highly vulnerable to climate change, while air pollution accounts for about seven million deaths globally each year.
WHO’s Head of Climate Change, Energy and Air Quality Unit, Dr Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, described health as a strong argument for climate action, urging countries to move from knowledge to implementation.
The organisation further revealed that six priority climate-health interventions could save 1.6 million lives annually and generate US$24 in benefits for every US$1 invested. WHO is expected to host more than 60 events at the COP31 Health Pavilion during the two-week conference .
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