Global experts are sounding the alarm: as heat records shatter worldwide, coordinated leadership from China and the United States is essential to shield humanity from climate-driven health threats.
The call rang out at the 5th World Health Forum in Beijing, where researchers, policymakers and activists gathered under the theme climate change and health responsibility governance and a shared future for mankind. Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon opened the event with a powerful appeal for unity. He urged all nations to join forces to address what he described as the most urgent threat to both people and the planet.
Backing this sense of urgency, a World Meteorological Organization report warns there is a seventy percent chance that average global temperatures from 2025 to 2029 will exceed one point five degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels. The WMO also confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record, about one point five five degrees above the mid nineteen century baseline. Such warming fuels air pollution spikes, heat related illnesses and changes in infectious disease patterns—from malaria to dengue—putting millions at risk.
Against this backdrop, China has woven climate adaptation and health resilience into its national strategy over the last decade. Its updated Nationally Determined Contribution reaffirms goals to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. By 2035, it plans to build a climate resilient society that integrates health environmental and disaster response systems.
Meanwhile, China has built the worlds largest ecological and environmental monitoring network, covering major cities river basins and coastal waters. This system tracks water quality air pollution soil health and noise levels—creating an evidence base that guides policy and protects public health.
Experts say this model of linking environmental governance with health outcomes offers a blueprint for other nations. Boston University public health professor Patrick Kinney praised Chinas rapid progress noting its research driven approach is shaping effective policies. Globally acclaimed climate scientist Chen Deliang added that with China and the United States leading by example the rest of the world will follow.
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Global experts urge China-U.S. leadership in climate, health actions
cgtn.com
