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Heat Waves Threaten Pregnancies, UN Climate Chief Warns
5 Oct
Summary
- Extreme heat linked to premature births and underweight babies.
- Pacific nations host climate talks ahead of global summit.
- Developing nations need billions for adaptation, receive little.
Extreme heat during pregnancy is increasingly associated with adverse outcomes such as premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight, according to UN climate chief Simon Stiell. This warning comes as Fiji hosts climate talks for Pacific nations, aiming to focus global attention on the frontlines of climate change.
These preliminary meetings precede the upcoming UN-sponsored global climate summit in Turkey. A recent survey indicates over two-thirds of health professionals globally have observed heat-related complications in the past five years. Developing nations require substantial financial aid for adaptation, with a significant gap between needs and available funding.
Pacific leaders are advocating for a firm commitment to limit global warming to 1.5C and are emphasizing the impact on oceans. Sea levels are rising at an unprecedented rate, threatening displacement for millions. Countries like Tuvalu are already planning for potential relocation due to inundation.
