The World Health Organization (WHO) Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific under the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, with support from The Rockefeller Foundation and the Pathfinder Initiative, today launched the Climate and Health Co-benefits Challenge. The Challenge is an open call to governments, academic institutions, civil society, the private sector and international agencies to submit evidence of climate interventions outside the health sector that are already delivering measurable benefits for health and well-being.
The Challenge – unveiled on the sidelines of the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in Geneva – responds to a critical gap: while the health benefits of ambitious climate action are well recognized in theory, documented real-world examples often remain disconnected from decision-making and funding processes.
At a moment when stronger climate action is needed, the Challenge aims to demonstrate that the smartest climate investments – implemented at scale – are already improving health outcomes and saving lives.
What the Challenge is asking for
Submissions are invited from any sector where climate mitigation or adaptation action has generated demonstrable health co-benefits. These include energy, transport, agriculture and land use, oceans, urban planning, industry and nature-based solutions.
The Challenge will showcase examples of climate investments from around the world that are improving health and wellbeing. Some examples include shifts to renewable energy resulting in improved air quality; urban greening that keeps neighbourhoods cool during record heatwaves; and transitioning to sustainable diets, thereby lowering the rates of preventable disease.
Selected case studies will be highlighted at Pre-COP31 in Fiji in October this year and used to inform climate and health policy and investment decisions worldwide.
After the call, strong submissions will be selected for further development through evaluation of investment readiness, opportunities for replication across contexts and countries, and inclusion in broader evidence platforms.
Why this matters now
The WHO Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health and the Belém Health Action Plan adopted at COP30 set an ambitious agenda for integrating health into climate action.
The Challenge is a direct response: a practical mechanism to connect what is already working with the decision-makers who have the power to position health as a compelling narrative for climate investment.
How to apply
Case study submissions will open on 18 May and run until 31 August 2026.
Case studies can be submitted here.
Quotes“Clean energy, sustainable transport, resilient food systems: these investments save lives today, and prepare us for tomorrow. That is why we are calling on governments and organizations across our Region and beyond: share your examples, your best practices, your stories.” – Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific“Communities are already benefiting from the transition to clean energy – providing cleaner air, improving health outcomes, and reducing energy bills. Supporting healthy communities is also one of the best ways to become more resilient to climate change.” – Hon Kate Thwaites, Australian Government Special Envoy for Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation”Climate action is one of the most powerful investments we can make in human health. This Challenge will make that case with real evidence, from real places, affecting real people, on the road towards COP31.” – Dr Sandro Demaio, Director, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western PacificKey facts on climate and health co-benefitsThe Western Pacific Region faces an escalating climate crisis with direct impacts on people’s health. Extreme heat, changing rainfall, rising sea levels, and increasingly frequent and severe weather events are driving displacement, food and water insecurity, chronic disease, heat-related illnesses and infectious disease risks. Health co-benefits are positive, sometimes secondary or unintended, health outcomes generated by effective, evidence-based climate actions. When climate actions are designed with health in mind, sectors such as transport, energy and urban development can deliver stronger returns on investment and greater social impact.Climate investments are already saving lives. Accounting for health co-benefits strengthens the case for action, makes outcomes tangible for communities and policy-makers, and increases public value for every dollar invested.
About WHO ACE
The WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific is based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and falls under the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. It supports countries and areas in the Region in addressing the health impacts of climate change and environmental risks, and in building resilient, sustainable health systems.
For media interviews or further information, please contact:
Elizabeth Bennett, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific
Dr Sandro Demaio, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific
WHO Western Pacific Communications
wprocom@who.int