Charting a Path to Health for All at Net-Zero Emissions
Citation
Rodin, J., Bratburd, J. R., Duff, N., Patz, J. A., Frumkin, H., Woteki, C. E., Whitmee, S., Toplitz, M., Dzau, V. J., & Haines, A. (2025). Charting a path to health for all at net-zero emissions. The Lancet. doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(25)00813-x
Climate change is one of the biggest health challenges of our time. Rising temperatures and extreme weather are already harming people’s health and well-being around the world. Scientists agree that we need to quickly and deeply cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to avoid permanent damage to the planet and to protect human health, well-being, and equity.
Even though more people are recognizing how climate and health are connected, many climate solutions miss the chance to also improve health. By planning better, we could create actions that both fight climate change and make our communities healthier.
Abstract
Climate change is the defining health challenge of the 21st century, with record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events already exacting an unprecedented toll on human health and wellbeing. Scientific consensus is clear: rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 are needed not only to reduce the risks of exceeding climate tipping points beyond which irreversible damage occurs to natural systems, but also to safeguard human health, wellbeing, and equity. Despite growing awareness of the climate–health nexus, climate interventions often fail to consider opportunities to maximise co-benefits.