#China #Beijing #climate action #Urban Development #Lancet Countdown

China Exceeds Climate-Health Risk Indicators

In a alarming revelation, the 2025 Lancet Countdown China Report has shown that eight out of 13 significant climate-health risk indicators have reached unprecedented levels. This report was unveiled on October 31, 2025, at Tsinghua University, coinciding with World Cities Day, which focused on the theme “Empowering Cities for Synergistic Action.” The findings offer a critical analysis of the challenges cities face and present viable solutions for fostering resilient and low-carbon urban environments.

The report draws attention to the distinct risks cities encounter, which are often overlooked in national assessments. According to Professor Cai Wenjia, Director of the Lancet Countdown Asia Centre, we are facing an era of public risk fatigue, where continual climate warnings desensitize the public and diminish the urgency of the response. “While red alerts for climate threats abound, we must counteract the complacency and provide cities with tailored solutions,” he stressed.

The analysis indicates that Asian cities experience an average of 20 heatwave days annually due to climate change—of which 16 are directly attributable to these changes. This frightening statistic underscores the necessity for cities to adapt effectively to their unique climate-health crises. Each city's distinct vulnerabilities highlight that national averages could mask critical local conditions, and the urgency of addressing these discrepancies is paramount.

Despite the pressing nature of climate issues, the report acknowledges a gap between scientific research and the immediate needs of local governments. Cost-effective solutions are still rare, making it imperative to streamline research responses to align with cities' urgent challenges.

Encouragingly, the report supports the notion that climate-focused health initiatives can spur economic growth rather than hinder it. This perspective is vital as local governments seek ways to finance and implement effective climate-health strategies. The report emphasizes five priority actions that cities must undertake, including developing people-centered early warning systems and integrating health considerations into smart city planning frameworks.

The launch event highlighted discussions featuring experts from various countries, including Singapore, India, and Australia, all of whom brought their insights on practical urban solutions. Additionally, financing pathways were explored, with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank announcing its commitment to health- and nature-positive infrastructure projects. Moreover, the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network introduced the Climate x Health Lighthouse Fund, Asia's first philanthropic initiative aimed at amplifying adaptation innovation.

Dr. Sandro Demaio, Director of the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health, remarked, “The city-level evidence in this report is precisely what local governments need to transition from planning to tangible action.”

Ultimately, the 2025 Lancet Countdown China Report serves as an urgent call for action, highlighting the necessity for cities not only to detect and respond to climate-health risks but to actively engage in strategies that foster resilience and sustainability. By leveraging the report’s findings and emphasizing the importance of localized data and strategic planning, urban centers across China and the Global South can pave the way for sustainable development in an era marked by climate uncertainty.

For those interested in exploring the report further, the full document can be accessed online at The Lancet Countdown00230-0/fulltext).