Extreme heat putting pregnant women, newborns at risk: UN climate chief
Summary
Extreme heat is raising health risks for pregnant women and newborns, with UN climate chief Simon Stiell warning that climate-driven heat is linked to premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight and maternal complications. A new survey across five continents found widespread concern among midwives and doctors as Pacific leaders gather in Fiji for the pre-COP summit.
Key Points
- UN climate chief Simon Stiell will warn that rising temperatures are increasingly endangering pregnancy and birth.
- A new survey of 1,000 midwives and doctors across five countries found many had treated mothers or babies affected by extreme heat.
- Health workers reported cases linked to low birth weight, dehydration, feeding difficulties and restricted growth.
- The warning comes ahead of the pre-COP31 summit in Fiji and Tuvalu, as Pacific leaders push for stronger climate action.
