Published in The Lancet Global Health, The 2024 Small Island Developing States Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change by Georgiana M. Gordon-Strachan, Stephanie Y. Parker, Heather C. Harewood, Pablo A. Méndez-Lázaro, Salanieta T. Saketa, Kimalie F. Parchment, and colleagues examines the impact of climate change on health in small island developing states (SIDS). The report highlights the heightened vulnerability of SIDS to extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and economic instability, emphasising the need for a health-centered response to climate change.
The authors detail the severe health consequences of increasing heat exposure, including higher mortality rates and economic losses due to reduced labor productivity. Despite these challenges, adaptation efforts remain inadequate, with limited heat-mitigation projects in SIDS. The report underscores the necessity of international action, sustainable local policies, and urban greening initiatives to protect communities. It calls for systemic changes to improve climate resilience, food security, and public health outcomes.