Climate change threatens to undermine the last 50 years of gains in public health, with more intense and frequent extreme weather and weather-related events, increased heatwave exposure, alteration in the spread of infectious diseases, and exacerbated poverty and mental ill-health. Beyond avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, accelerated climate action could bring immediate and substantial benefits for human health, with cleaner air, healthier diets, and more liveable cities.

The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on Health and Climate Change exists to monitor this transition from threat to opportunity. We are a global collaboration of over 300 leading experts from academic institutions and UN agencies across the globe, bringing together climate scientists, engineers, energy specialists, economists, political scientists, public health professionals and doctors.

Each year findings are published annually in medical journal The Lancet ahead of the UN climate change negotiations, as well as in regional reports for key world regions. Our data makes clear how climate change is affecting our health, the consequences of delayed action and the health benefits of a robust response.