Ten years of the Paris Agreement: a global review of health in nationally determined contributions

Overview

This WHO report reviews the integration of health into the third generation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs 3.0), the national climate plans through which countries implement the Paris Agreement. Against the backdrop of escalating climate-related health risks, it examines 114 NDC documents representing 140 Parties, assessing how health is addressed in climate mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, governance and financing. The review identifies examples of good practice and opportunities to strengthen health considerations in national climate commitments.

The findings show that 91% of Parties mention health, 59% identify health co-benefits of mitigation actions, and 55% include health-specific adaptation actions or targets. However, only 11% include emissions reduction measures or targets for the health sector, while 23% estimate resources required for health-related climate actions. The report highlights the need for more specific, evidence-informed and adequately financed commitments, including greater quantification of health benefits and stronger integration of health across climate policies and sectors.