A new report from a global team of 80 scientists highlights that health risks to mothers and babies, such as miscarriages and premature births linked to climate change, are mostly missing from national climate plans, raising urgent concerns for leaders attending the upcoming Cop29 summit.
In addition to maternal and infant health risks, the report, created to inform decision-makers at the UN climate summit in Azerbaijan, details other severe global threats. These include the potential collapse of the Amazon rainforest, destabilization of essential Atlantic Ocean currents, and risks to city infrastructure. Compiled by scientists from 45 countries, the report draws from recent physical and social science research to guide effective climate action.
Professor Johan Rockström, co-chair of the Earth League, one of the groups behind the report, explained, “The report shows that rising heat, ocean instability, and the tipping of the Amazon rainforest could push parts of our planet beyond habitable limits.”
He noted that, despite the grave risks, solutions exist, and urgent action can prevent catastrophic consequences.
This report follows a call to action from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned, “We’re playing with fire, but there can be no more playing for time. We’re out of time.” He emphasized that global warming is fueling extreme weather events, including hurricanes and wildfires, and that countries must break their reliance on fossil fuels.
Evidence within the report suggests that climate extremes are leading to increased miscarriages, premature births, and newborn health issues. For example, in India, pregnant women exposed to heat stress faced double the risk of miscarriage, while research in California connected prolonged heat exposure with higher risks of stillbirth and premature birth. Flooding also contributes to over 100,000 lost pregnancies annually in 33 countries across South and Central America, Asia, and Africa, with women in lower-income groups facing the highest risk. Additionally, a study in South Asia found a link between rising temperatures and increased partner violence experienced by women.
Only 27 out of 119 national climate plans submitted to the UN include maternal and newborn health concerns, making this a critical oversight, according to the report. Professor Jemilah Mahmood of Malaysia’s Sunway Centre for Planetary Health stressed the need for preparedness measures such as early warning systems for extreme heat.
“Without action, the consequences could be catastrophic,” she warned.
The report also underlines the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a system of ocean currents essential for climate stability. This collapse could happen sooner than previously thought, posing severe global risks. Likewise, deforestation and illegal activities threaten the resilience of the Amazon, which may shift from absorbing carbon emissions to emitting them if it collapses. The report urges Cop29 to support Brazil’s $250 billion Tropical Forests Forever fund and measures to protect the Amazon and its Indigenous peoples.
Rising methane levels are also flagged as an urgent issue for Cop29, with the report noting that solutions are available to curb emissions from fossil fuels, but policy enforcement remains insufficient.
The report warns that most of today’s infrastructure, from healthcare to transportation, was designed for a climate that no longer exists, necessitating significant upgrades, especially in the global south. Artificial intelligence could support more efficient and climate-adapted solutions, it suggests.
A key objective of the Cop29 summit is to establish a new funding target to support countries in cutting emissions and handling climate-related damages, with many nations advocating for a $1 trillion annual goal. The report also calls for improved governance of essential energy transition metals, such as lithium and cobalt, to protect communities and ecosystems from mining impacts.
Finally, the report underscores the importance of equity in climate policies. Wealthier nations and individuals contribute far more to emissions, and policies perceived as unjust, like the fuel tax increases that sparked France’s yellow vest protests, can lead to resistance.
Professor Joyashree Roy of the Asian Institute of Technology emphasized, “Ignoring citizens’ readiness and needs when designing and implementing climate policies will ultimately lead to many missed opportunities.”