Climate and Health

Climate and health are two inseparable elements. Human well-being is directly influenced by the way we treat water, food systems, infrastructure, and landscapes. Increasing temperature, changing climates, toxic cities, fragile food chains, and global disruptions such as pandemics combine to add more risks to already strained populations.

The instability of labor supply and markets can quickly lead to food insecurity and worsening health in rural drylands and flood-based livelihoods. Poorly maintained drainage systems and roads are some of the other causes of stress, respiratory illnesses, high blood pressure, and water-borne diseases, especially in rapidly growing cities. Thus, not only medical but also socioeconomic, environmental, and infrastructural issues are health outcomes.

Health challenges are not always solved through medical interventions alone. While treatment may provide immediate relief, lasting solutions often require addressing the underlying environmental and infrastructural conditions that shape health outcomes. Many public health risks are closely linked to climate change, environmental degradation, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient infrastructure.

Improving environmental conditions – such as restoring green public spaces, strengthening sanitation systems, reducing pollution, and enhancing climate-resilient infrastructure – can significantly reduce health risks and improve overall well-being. Context-sensitive analysis, combined with strong local networks and community engagement, helps transform crises into opportunities for resilience and long-term health improvement.

Explore the impacts of a changing climate on health, and the solutions that help vulnerable communities adapt and thrive.

Blogposts

Videos

Dossiers

• Landscapes and Local Climates
• Knowledge Repository for GFFA 2026
• Improved Laundry and Hygiene
• Ecologically-based Rodent Management
• Green and Blue Economy
• Vital Water Services
• Climate and Health
• Soil Management
• Green Transformation
• Green Infrastructure
• Dryland Development
• Agroecology
• Flood and Drought Management
• Locally-Led Adaptation in Practice
• Groundwater Management
• Water and Development Partnership
• Preserving Assets - Operation and Maintenance in Delta’s
• Salinity Management
• Water integrity
• Water Productivity and Irrigation Management
• Managing Desert Locusts
• None left behind
• Mega Irrigation
• Cross-Cutting Topics