Human health depends on planetary health, including a stable climate, and the necessary actions to stabilize our climate can have profound human health benefits. In recognition of the health harms of climate change and the health benefits of climate solutions, policy stakeholders are increasingly contemplating whether climate and health policy should be better integrated — and if so, how. This report synthesizes insights on these questions across six geographies, including Brazil, the Caribbean, Germany, Kenya, the U.K., and the U.S.
From January to July 2024, the research teams in each of these locations conducted between 21 to 65 in-depth interviews with stakeholders in their country or region working on national climate policy, health policy, the climate-health intersection, or related topics such as emergency response. In total, 225 interviews were conducted across the six locations. Participants included legislative staff, civil servants, think tank policy researchers, academic experts, industry consultants, and advocates (individuals and civil society organizations seeking to advance climate and health policy action). The research questions and design were collaboratively developed by the research teams, with additional insights from research participants and members of the Global Climate and Health Alliance.