World Bank. The Climate and Health Risk Index: Tracking Climate Change Risk to Health
The Climate and Health Risk Index analyzes the growing climate and health risk index as a tool to track how climate change impacts human health across national and subnational levels.
This report highlights how the climate and health risk index helps identify vulnerable populations and prioritize adaptation investments. By combining environmental and health data, it provides a clearer picture of global risk exposure.
Understanding the climate and health risk index
The climate and health risk index measures the relationship between climate hazards and health outcomes. It integrates factors such as:
- Exposure to extreme weather events
- Population vulnerability
- Health system capacity
This multidimensional approach allows policymakers to evaluate where climate change poses the greatest threats to human health.
Key findings from the climate and health risk index
The report shows that the climate and health risk index reveals significant disparities across regions.
According to the analysis:
- Low-income countries face the highest combined climate and health risks
- Subnational differences within countries are substantial
- Health systems in vulnerable regions are often underprepared
Maps and visual data in the report illustrate how risk is concentrated in specific geographic areas, particularly in regions with high exposure and low adaptive capacity.
Why the climate and health risk index matters for policy
The climate and health risk index is essential for guiding adaptation strategies and investment decisions.
It helps governments and organizations:
- Target resources to the most vulnerable populations
- Strengthen health system resilience
- Improve planning for climate-related health emergencies
By focusing on both national and subnational levels, the index ensures that interventions are more precise and effective.
Implications for future adaptation
The findings suggest that without targeted action, climate-related health risks will continue to increase. The climate and health risk index provides a framework for:
- Monitoring changes over time
- Evaluating policy effectiveness
- Aligning investments with actual risk levels
This makes it a critical tool for long-term climate and health planning.
Reference
World Bank. (2026). The climate and health risk index: Tracking climate change risk to health across national and subnational levels to prioritize adaptation investment. https://hdl.handle.net/10986/44650