Catalysing Evidence-Based Climate Policy through Health-Centred Action

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to the planet and humanity, intensifying environmental degradation, economic instability, and public health risks such as heat-related illness and the spread of infectious diseases. Yet, well-designed climate action can deliver powerful health co- benefits and foster more equitable, resilient societies. This proposal sets out a high-impact strategic partnership between the UN Climate Change secretariat and Wellcome to place human health at the heart of global climate action. As the principal UN body guiding the international climate response, UN Climate Change has unparalleled access to national governments and stakeholders, but lacks dedicated health expertise, tools, and funding to deliver on this agenda.The project will strengthen the secretariat’s capacity to integrate health systematically into adaptation, mitigation, communications, and partnerships. It will embed health evidence in Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans, promote recognition of health co-benefits, and mobilize diverse actors through strategic communications and engagement platforms. Working alongside WHO, UNDP, the IPCC, the NDC Partnership, and GESDA, this project will deliver four outcomes: health-centred adaptation, mitigation with health co-benefits, strengthened amplification of climate–health evidence and narratives, and expanded multi- stakeholder partnerships. Beneficiaries include governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, health professionals, and non-state actors.