Outcomes of the Fifth Global Conference on Climate and Health

Leaders in health and climate worldwide gathered in Brasilia from 29 to 31 July for a Fifth Global Conference on Climate and Health, a three-day milestone event dedicated to shaping the future of climate and health policy ahead of COP30. Representatives from ministries of health, philanthropic organizations, nongovernmental organizations and climate health experts came together to move forward on global climate and health policy.

“This Conference can be a springboard to build healthier, more resilient, and more equitable societies,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization via an opening video message.  

The Global Conference participants worked collectively to advance practical solutions, strengthen political will, and commit to policies to protect both human and planetary health. It was also an opportunity to bridge health and climate agendas, elevate Indigenous leadership, and drive forward coordinated global action.

The message of the conference was clear: we must change our behaviour and take concrete climate and health action now. “It’s not about creating a new way, it is about walking differently,” said H.E. Marina Silva, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Brazil.

There were two main focuses for the event, developing the Belém Health Action Plan to be launched at COP30, and the second in-person meeting of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH).

• The announcement of a designated Health Day at the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil (COP30).  
• The Belém Health Action Plan, to be launched at COP30, which has three strategic lines:

- health surveillance and monitoring;
- evidence-based Policy strategy and capacity building; and
- innovation and production.

• A global stocktake of climate-resilient health system action was presented by the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH).
• Commitment to elevate Indigenous voices in climate and health policy processes.

Ideas Labs throughout the Conference showcased innovative initiatives, stimulated interdisciplinary dialogue, elevated underrepresented voices, and inspired local and international climate-health action.

The official pre-COP30 event served as a pivotal moment in global climate and health policy – underscoring the need to put people at the centre of climate negotiations. Presenters from all regions reiterated that Indigenous voices must be elevated at climate negotiations to ensure the health of planet and human health are protected. 

Visit the conference page to view the full recordings