UN Warns of Extreme Heat Risks to Maternal Health at Climate Talks in Fiji

NADI: The United Nations climate chief, Simon Stiell, has issued a stark warning regarding the increasing risks posed by extreme heat to maternal health, including premature births and underweight babies, during climate talks in Fiji on Monday.

Stiell’s remarks come as part of a series of meetings in Nadi and the atoll nation of Tuvalu, aimed at highlighting the urgent challenges faced by communities on the frontline of climate change in the Pacific. These discussions serve as a precursor to the upcoming UN-sponsored global climate summit, COP31, scheduled to take place in Turkiye next month.

In his address, Stiell referenced a recent survey indicating that over two-thirds of health professionals across five continents have reported complications related to extreme heat in the past five years. He emphasized, “Climate-driven extreme heat during pregnancy is increasingly linked to premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and maternal complications,” underscoring the critical need for immediate action.

Additionally, a report from Plan International highlighted that climate disasters are exacerbating the risks of child marriage and teenage pregnancies, primarily due to their detrimental effects on health and education services vital for girls. As the world grapples with these pressing issues, the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate climate impacts on vulnerable populations becomes increasingly urgent.