As the world faces record-breaking deadly heatwaves, global philanthropies united as the Climate and Health Funders Coalition announced a landmark $300 million fund for climate health research and solutions at COP30 in Brazil. The coalition includes organisations such as the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, IKEA Foundation, and Wellcome Trust. They aim to accelerate solutions addressing extreme heat, air pollution and climate-sensitive infectious diseases. At the same time, the coalition supports the development of climate-resilient health systems through enhanced data integration and innovation.​

I have been mentioning in my lectures for a few years that the climate crisis is no longer solely an environmental issue; it has evolved into a public health emergency affecting at least 3.3 billion people globally. Rising temperatures are causing deadly heatwaves, worse air pollution and contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and marginalised communities, face heightened risks. By focusing on these critical areas, the coalition’s fund aims to close existing funding gaps, scale effective interventions, expand data-driven decision-making, and strengthen health system resilience worldwide.​

Why the Coalition is Needed Now.

Climate change stands as one of the most significant threats to global health in the 21st century. The urgent formation of this coalition acknowledges the critical need to act swiftly. As climate and health experts warn, warming beyond 1.5°C risks unleashing severe climate impacts and extreme weather with consequences for human health[i].

The 2025 Lancet Countdown Report highlights alarming health impacts linked to climate change, noting that the rate of health-related deaths has surged 23% since the 1990s, reaching 546,000 annually. Additionally, an estimated 154,000 deaths in 2024 were linked to air pollution from wildfire smoke[ii].

At COP30, the Belém Health Action Plan was launched to encourage countries to monitor and coordinate climate-related health policies. Its core focus areas include strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems, building climate-resilient health infrastructure, and investing in technology and equitable solutions. The initiative prioritises populations in regions such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where climate change impacts are already severe[iii].

Voices from Global Leaders.

Ethel Maciel, special envoy for health and a lead architect of the Belém Health Action Plan, proposed three pillars to integrate health into the climate agenda[iv]:

• Improving monitoring by integrating climate and health data and enhancing reporting of climate-linked diseases.
• Developing resilient systems and training healthcare professionals to identify and treat impacts such as dehydration and cardiac stress.
• Fostering research and innovation to create heat-resistant medicines and vaccines.

Additionally, Naveen Rao, Senior Vice President of Health at the Rockefeller Foundation, emphasised that “climate change is the gravest health threat of our time, and no single organisation or country can tackle it alone”[v]. In my opinion, this emphasises the vital importance of global cooperation and combined resources. The coalition’s collaborative model provides a robust framework for accelerating impactful solutions that no single entity could achieve independently.

Looking Ahead: Urgency and Opportunity.

Climate action is now inseparable from public health action. The world and its leaders must urgently advance both to safeguard billions of lives. Adaptation is no longer a distant necessity but a pressing reality. The coalition’s $300 million commitment, aligned with the Belém Health Action Plan, offers a promising path to build resilient health systems, catalyse innovative research, and mobilise further investments globally. Protecting human health in the face of climate change demands urgent and coordinated global action.

For lawyers, this may open an examination of what legal steps can be taken to protect the public’s health and wellbeing.

© Lawrence Power 2025

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[i] Wellcome,‘Climate and Health Funders Coalition’ <https://wellcome.org/engagement-and-advocacy/advocacy-and-partnerships/climate-health-funders-coalition> accessed on 17 November 2025.

[ii] Lancet Countdown, ‘The 2025 Global Report of the Lancet Countdown’, 2025, <https://lancetcountdown.org/2025-report/#tab-1> accessed on 17 November 2025.

[iii] Studyiq, ‘Climate and Health Funders Coalition’, 2025, <https://www.studyiq.com/articles/climate-and-health-funders-coalition/> accessed on 17 November 2025.

[iv] United Nations, ‘COP30: Climate crisis is a health crisis’, 2025’ <https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/11/1166369> accessed on 17 November 2025.

[v] The Rockefeller Foundation, ‘Global Philanthropies Commit $300 Million To Accelerate Solutions on Climate and Health’, 2025, <https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/global-philanthropies-commit-300-million-to-accelerate-solutions-on-climate-and-health/> accessed on 17 November 2025.