COP31: Experts flag extreme heat risks to pregnant women, call for targeted adaptation

Antalya (Turkiye), Nov 15 (PTI) Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy can lead to severe outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth and congenital abnormalities in newborns, prompting experts at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) to highlight maternal health risks and call for targeted adaptation strategies. The issue comes into focus as countries at COP31 prepare to discuss progress towards the Global Goal on Adaptation, a framework to help nations develop key adaptation measures, including those needed to address the health impacts of climate change.

However, translating growing recognition of climate-related health risks into action remains a challenge, particularly in the absence of adequate financial support. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), only about one per cent of formal climate finance under its financial mechanism is currently directed towards health.

The broader issue of adaptation finance for developing nations is also expected to feature prominently in discussions in the coming days.