2023 WHO review of health in Nationally Determined Contributions and long-term strategies: Health at the heart of the Paris Agreement

This report provides a snapshot of the overall progress governments have made in addressing the health risks of climate change to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. It synthesizes information from the latest available nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and synthesizes information from the latest available Long-term Low Emissions and Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).

Mounting an effective response to the health risks posed by climate change is now urgent for all countries. The consequences of the climate emergency are severe for population health and health systems and further drive health and social inequities. NDCs outline countries’ and areas’ short- to mid-term plans for reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement, including by mitigating and adapting to climate change. They are the primary policy instrument for protecting people’s health in the face of climate change. Governments can strengthen NDCs by developing health-inclusive and health-promoting climate targets and policies. Comparing mid- and long-term policy priorities for climate and health can help improve consistency and transparency.