South Asia faces growing health risks as climate change worsens. A new report by Adelphi, a climate think tank, warns that global funding for health adaptation remains alarmingly low.
Only 0.5% of multilateral climate finance — about $173 million since 2004 — supports health systems against climate impacts. Experts fear up to 15.6 million deaths by 2050 from heat, disease, and collapsing infrastructure.
Most countries identify health as a top priority. Yet, less than 0.1% of the $2.54 billion needed for health adaptation has been financed. East Asia and Africa receive most of the limited funds, while South Asia gets almost nothing. The region could face 18% of all climate-related health impacts.
India’s response, including the National Adaptation Fund and state plans, still falls short. Heatwaves, erratic monsoons, and disease outbreaks strain its healthcare system. The country may need over $2.4 trillion by 2050 to manage climate risks.
At COP30, India will push for stronger global commitments. It seeks grant-based finance and a Global Resilience Fund to protect vulnerable communities. Without urgent investment, experts warn, the climate crisis will deepen the public health emergency.
