At climate talks in Nadi, Fiji, U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell said rising temperatures are increasingly being connected to dangerous complications during pregnancy, underscoring the climate crisis as a public health issue.
Here's what to know
Speaking at pre-COP31 meetings in Fiji and Tuvalu, Stiell pointed to a new survey finding that over two-thirds of health workers on five continents had observed complications from severe heat.
As CBS News reported, the gatherings were intended to show what climate change already looks like for Pacific communities on the front lines before the larger U.N.-sponsored summit in Turkey.
He said the effects of extreme heat can show up before and just after birth, with heat exposure during pregnancy linked to preterm deliveries, stillbirths, babies born underweight, and complications for mothers.
Another concern raised during the talks involved girls and young women. In a report, Plan International said climate disasters can raise the risk of child marriage and teen pregnancy by disrupting the health and schooling services girls depend on, per CBS News.
More background
Across the South Pacific, rising seas are threatening homes while hotter conditions contribute to coral bleaching.
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When heat becomes severe enough to affect pregnancies and disasters interrupt health and education services, families face risks tied to everyday safety, prenatal care, and access to basic services.
A U.N. report released in August found that developing countries require $310 billion to $365 billion for adaptation even though just $26 billion in adaptation finance was available in 2023, according to CBS News.
Fiji climate minister Lynda Tabuya framed that gap as a question of fairness, urging support for a "just transition" for "countries in the world that suffer the most."
What's being done?
In Fiji, there has been diplomatic pressure. Organizers used the meetings in Nadi and Tuvalu to center vulnerable Pacific nations in the run-up to COP31.
Tabuya said countries are pushing for concrete financial commitments, noting, per CBS News, "We rely on and we appeal to countries to commit to climate finance." She said that support would help nations adapt to worsening heat, rising seas, and other climate impacts that wealthy countries are often better equipped to manage.
Australia was also a part of the discussion. It is leading the climate negotiations while remaining a major coal exporter, and it has faced criticism as demand tied to the Iran war has helped drive a surge in coal sales.
Asked whether she supported other Pacific leaders' calls for Australia to stop expanding coal and gas projects, Tabuya said, "Yes, we have sentiments expressed from certain countries." She separately described talks involving Australian climate minister Chris Bowen and Pacific officials as a "frank discussion."
Where can I learn more?
These stories look at how extreme heat affects pregnancies and maternal health.
• Doctors say heat waves increase the risk of preterm birth and infant complications.
• Scientists warn heat waves bring worse outcomes for babies, including more preterm births.
• Doctors say rising temperatures add pressure to pregnant women during already dangerous heat waves.
• Worldwide, higher temperatures are driving healthcare costs upward as climate-related illnesses intensify.
• Across urban and rural areas, hotter summer nights raise health risks.
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