VerSe Health Plus: Rethinking Health and Climate Resilience: Tackling Inequalities in a Changing World

This article is written by Mrunmayee Velukar, Program Officer - Climate Health, PATH.

In an era where climate change is a growing threat to human well-being, it is the most vulnerable populations-those in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)-that bear the heaviest burden. The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report highlights how extreme weather events, driven by climate change, have severely impacted infrastructure and ecosystem services. These disruptions exacerbate existing economic and social inequalities, particularly in LMICs, where health disparities are already pronounced. As the world confronts this unprecedented challenge, global leaders must rethink how we build resilience in health systems, invest in climate-proof infrastructure, and ensure no community is left behind.

The Health-Climate Nexus: A Growing Crisis

The link between climate change and human health is no longer a future concern-it is an immediate crisis. According to the World Bank, investing in resilient infrastructure in LMICs could generate net benefits of $4.2 trillion, offering vital protection not only for healthcare systems but also for broader economic and social stability. Such investments are key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring that health systems can withstand the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters.

The consequences of inaction are stark. Rising sea levels, extreme heatwaves, and intense storms are no longer just environmental challenges but have become significant threats to human health. The latest Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change shows that the effects of climate change are being felt across every continent, with LMICs bearing the brunt. Respiratory illnesses, heat-related diseases, food insecurity, and mental health issues are all on the rise, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations.

Climate Vulnerability and Inequality: A Dangerous Cycle

One of the gravest challenges facing LMICs is the compounding nature of climate vulnerability and inequality. These countries contribute only a fraction of global carbon emissions but suffer disproportionately from climate impacts. The rapid rate of urbanization in LMICs, coupled with weak infrastructure and limited healthcare capacity, exacerbates these risks, creating a vicious cycle of vulnerability.

Women and children are often the hardest hit. Climate change exacerbates existing gender inequalities, compromising their health, safety, and economic security. Displacement due to climate-related disasters is expected to affect over 200 million people by 2050, pushing an additional 130 million into poverty. These shifts could reverse decades of progress in development, particularly in health and gender equality, leaving millions more exposed to the devastating impacts of climate change.

Economic Gaps in Health Resilience

By 2050, climate change is projected to result in the loss of over 2 billion healthy life years and impose an additional $1.1 trillion burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Coastal cities, home to over a billion people, are especially at risk from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The financial cost of inaction is staggering. By the end of the century, the value of assets at risk from flooding alone could reach up to $12.7 trillion.

Despite the urgency, LMICs are struggling to access the financial resources needed to build climate-resilient infrastructure. This gap between what is needed and what is available poses a grave risk to the health and well-being of millions. Without immediate and sustained investments, LMICs will be unable to protect their populations from the worsening impacts of climate change.

Barriers to Financing Climate Resilience in LMICs

While the need for investment is clear, LMICs face significant barriers to securing the necessary funding for climate resilience. These countries require an estimated $2.9 trillion annually to strengthen infrastructure and adapt to climate impacts. Yet, private infrastructure investments in 2021 amounted to just $40 billion, a fraction of what is required.

High borrowing costs, limited access to capital markets, and inadequate financial mechanisms for risk management prevent many LMICs from accessing climate finance. Furthermore, smaller-scale projects-critical for community-level resilience-often struggle to attract investment due to their inability to scale. These barriers leave vulnerable communities without the protection they desperately need, further entrenching inequality.

In addition to financial obstacles, many LMICs lack the technical expertise to develop and implement large-scale infrastructure projects. The lack of capacity-building initiatives further hinders their ability to secure investments, leaving critical climate resilience projects underfunded and underdeveloped.

A Call for Global Action

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive, coordinated effort from the global community. A multifaceted approach that integrates health, climate resilience, and development is essential for protecting the world's most vulnerable populations.

First, investment in UHC, digital health systems, and open innovation can be a game-changer. By improving access to healthcare and integrating climate resilience into health systems, LMICs can better protect their populations from the health impacts of climate change. Digital health innovations, such as telemedicine and mobile health platforms, can extend the reach of healthcare services to remote and underserved areas, while open innovation can foster new solutions to complex health challenges.

Second, it is imperative to strengthen the governance of climate-health financing. This involves ensuring that investments are sustainable, scalable, and directed towards the most vulnerable populations. Global financial institutions, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF), must play a more proactive role in facilitating the flow of funds to LMICs. Moreover, public-private partnerships can help unlock new sources of financing for climate-resilient infrastructure, particularly in the health sector.

Lastly, capacity-building initiatives are essential for helping LMICs develop the technical expertise needed to design, implement, and scale climate resilience projects. Strengthening local capacities will enable these countries to attract investments, improve project implementation, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

As climate change continues to escalate, the health and well-being of millions in LMICs are increasingly at risk. The time for action is now. By rethinking how we invest in health and climate resilience, the global community can create a more equitable, sustainable future for all. This is not just about mitigating risks-it is about empowering communities to thrive in the face of adversity.

Universal Health Coverage, digital health innovations, and open systems are critical tools in this fight. But these must be paired with a global commitment to invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen governance, and build capacity in LMICs. Only then can we hope to address the twin crises of climate change and inequality and ensure that no one is left behind.
In this era of unprecedented challenges, the call for bold, transformative action has never been clearer. By working together, we can build a world where health and climate resilience are within reach of everyone, everywhere.

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