Experts Urge World Leaders to Raise Climate Adaptation Funds to $120bn Annually
Global health specialists have called on governments participating in the ongoing United Nations climate negotiations in Germany to significantly increase adaptation financing, warning that inadequate investment could worsen health challenges for millions worldwide. The appeal was made by experts under the Global Climate and Health Alliance during the 64th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change taking place in Bonn from June 8 to June 18. The group urged governments to increase public adaptation financing to at least $120 billion annually by 2035, arguing that stronger investments are needed to improve healthcare systems, expand access to clean water and sanitation, strengthen food systems, and enhance preparedness for climate-related emergencies. According to the alliance, countries—particularly vulnerable and developing nations—require additional support to build resilience against the growing effects of climate change.
Policy Lead at the alliance, Jess Beagley, warned that insufficient financing could severely limit efforts to protect public health and critical social systems.
She noted that adaptation funding is essential for sectors directly linked to health outcomes, including water supply, sanitation, disaster preparedness, and food security, stressing that failure to invest could lead to worsening malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and healthcare disruptions. Experts also highlighted mounting evidence showing that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and storms, putting additional strain on healthcare infrastructure globally. Several African countries, including Nigeria, have recently experienced climate-related challenges ranging from severe flooding and food shortages to disease outbreaks linked to changing weather patterns.
The alliance further called on wealthier countries to speed up efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, arguing that continued expansion of oil, gas, and coal production threatens both environmental sustainability and public health. Researcher Nova Tebbe said scientific findings increasingly show that limiting global warming would require a shift away from new fossil fuel projects while expanding access to affordable and reliable clean energy. She added that improving access to sustainable energy sources for homes, hospitals, and healthcare facilities would strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce pollution-related illnesses. The experts also raised concerns about the growing health consequences of climate-related disasters, saying many deaths, illnesses, and social impacts remain underreported and underfunded. Policy Coordinator Michele Baker stressed the need for stronger systems to measure both economic and social losses associated with climate change and called for improved accountability regarding existing climate financing commitments. The Bonn negotiations are expected to shape discussions ahead of the next major UN climate summit, where countries will face increasing pressure to strengthen commitments on climate action, financing, and public health resilience.
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