Suva, Fiji: The World Health Organization has joined Pacific leaders and governments at the Pre-COP31 climate meeting in Fiji, calling for stronger integration of health priorities into global climate action.

The four-day meeting in Fiji, taking place from October 5 to 8, is bringing together Pacific countries and international partners ahead of the United Nations climate conference, COP31, which will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, next month. Health is one of the 10 priority themes of the COP31 Action Agenda.

Climate Change Is Increasing Health Risks

WHO says climate change is already affecting communities across the Western Pacific through extreme heat, cyclones, floods, rising sea levels, food and water insecurity, infectious diseases and disruption of essential health services.

Pacific island countries face particularly high exposure because many communities and critical facilities are located close to coastlines and rivers.

A recent review of 76 hospitals across 14 Pacific island countries found that 62% of health facilities are located within 500 metres of a sea or river, leaving them vulnerable to flooding, storm surges and rising sea levels.

Health Systems Need Greater Climate Resilience

WHO is urging governments to strengthen health systems so they can continue operating during extreme weather events.

This includes developing climate-resilient hospitals and other health facilities, improving emergency preparedness, strengthening disease surveillance and ensuring essential medical services remain available during disasters.

The organisation is also calling for greater investment in climate resilience, particularly in communities facing the greatest exposure to climate-related risks.

Climate Finance for Health Becomes a Key Issue

Access to climate finance is emerging as a major concern for Pacific countries.

WHO says climate funding must reach communities and essential services that are most exposed to climate hazards. Financing can support resilient health infrastructure, renewable energy, emergency preparedness and adaptation programmes.

The organisation argues that climate investments should consider health outcomes rather than treating health as a separate issue.

Pacific Countries Seek Stronger Global Voice

The Pre-COP31 meeting provides Pacific nations with an opportunity to bring their experiences and priorities into global climate negotiations.

Pacific leaders are pressing for continued efforts to keep the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach, stronger access to climate finance and greater attention to the health and environmental consequences of rising temperatures and sea levels.

The region contributes relatively little to global greenhouse-gas emissions but faces some of the world’s most severe climate-related risks.

Climate Action Can Also Improve Health

WHO says climate policies can generate immediate health benefits when they are designed effectively.

Cleaner energy can reduce air pollution, sustainable transport can encourage physical activity, resilient infrastructure can protect communities from extreme weather, and healthier food systems can improve nutrition while supporting climate goals.

Nature-based solutions can also help protect communities while strengthening ecosystems.

The organisation therefore views climate action not only as a way to reduce future environmental risks but also as an opportunity to improve health today.

Health to Receive Dedicated Attention at COP31

Health is expected to receive increased attention during COP31.

A dedicated Health Day is scheduled for November 9, the first day of the main conference. WHO will support a Health Pavilion intended to bring health organisations and climate stakeholders together during the negotiations.

The discussions in Fiji are therefore expected to help shape the health-related priorities that Pacific countries and international organisations take forward to Antalya.

A Broader Climate Challenge

The Pacific experience demonstrates that climate change is not only an environmental or economic issue. It can directly affect hospitals, healthcare workers, disease patterns, food and water security and people’s ability to access essential medical services.

As climate risks increase, governments face growing pressure to ensure that health systems are prepared for a more volatile climate.

The Pre-COP31 discussions in Fiji are consequently placing a clear message at the center of international climate diplomacy: protecting people from climate change requires protecting the health systems on which communities depend.