Extreme Heat Threatens Maternal and Newborn Health, UN Warns
Extreme heat is increasingly impacting pregnancy and birth, according to UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell. A survey of 1,000 maternal health professionals from five continents, including India, revealed that 73% reported a rise in heat-related complications over the past five years. Nearly all respondents (98%) have cared for pregnant women affected by extreme heat, and 99% reported caring for affected newborns. The survey indicates that every 1°C rise in temperature correlates with a 5% increase in premature births and a 7% increase in gestational diabetes. Stiell emphasized the need for countries to integrate maternal health into climate adaptation strategies and to secure $1.3 trillion annually for developing nations to address these challenges. The Pre-COP ministerial meeting is currently taking place in Fiji, preparing for COP31 in Antalya, Turkiye.
Published 2 days ago • 05 Oct 2026, 07:02 AM IST