WMO – State of Climate Services, 2023

The opening of the WMO State of Climate Services report emphasizes the undeniable connection between climate and health. Climate change, exacerbated by human activities, poses significant threats to human well-being. The report highlights the multiple ways in which climate change affects human health, including death, injury, and illness from heat stress, disruptions in ecosystems and food systems, the spread of food-, water-, and vector-borne diseases, and exposure to air pollution. The focus of the 2023 edition of the report is on health, emphasizing the importance of climate services and information in protecting lives and livelihoods. The report acknowledges that some countries are already using climate information and services effectively to detect, monitor, predict, and manage climate-related health risks. However, it also recognizes the potential for further enhancing the impact of climate science and services in the health sector. The report examines the current state of climate services for health and outlines a series of recommendations, next steps, and case studies. It aims to provide valuable insights and guidance to stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners in order to strengthen the response to climate-related health challenges. In summary, the WMO report underlines the alarming impacts of climate change on human health and emphasizes the need for enhanced climate services for health. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation, along with practical recommendations and case studies to support improved response and mitigation efforts.