Building Economic Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change 2025
Page 3 of 49 · WEF_Building_Economic_Resilience_to_the_Health_Impacts_of_Climate_Change_2025.pdf
Foreword
The impact of climate change on global health
presents an urgent and complex challenge.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and
environmental degradation are not just environmental
issues – they directly threaten human health,
business operations and global economic stability.
The heaviest burdens will fall on communities
with limited infrastructure, healthcare access and
emergency preparedness – particularly in developing
countries, which currently account for 90% of deaths
from weather-, climate- and water-related hazards.1
From the increasing prevalence of heat-related
illnesses, the spread of mosquito-borne disease
and the rise of food insecurity linked to crop failure,
climate-induced health risks, hereinafter referred
to as climate-health risks, are accelerating, and
will have profound implications for supply chains,
workforce productivity and financial markets if
significant action isn’t taken.
This report provides a detailed analysis of the risks
and opportunities facing four critical economic
sectors: food and agriculture, the built environment,
health and healthcare, and insurance. These
industries sit at the core of the nexus of climate
change and public health. Strengthening food
systems, rethinking urban infrastructure, improving healthcare responses and reshaping insurance
models are essential steps towards mitigating
risks and building resilience. Companies that fail to
adapt will face increasing operational disruption,
workforce vulnerabilities and financial liabilities, while
those that build resilience will unlock opportunities
for innovation, competitive advantage and long-
term growth.
The private sector plays a pivotal role. As the largest
employer and controller of capital and supply
chains, it is uniquely positioned to set new industry
standards and ensure workforce health amid
increasing climate change. The cost of inaction is
rising. Bold, systemic action, however, can protect
communities and future proof operations.
The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with
Boston Consulting Group (BCG), recognizes that
addressing these challenges requires cross-sector
collaboration, forward-thinking leadership and
decisive action. This report serves as an initial view of
how businesses can accelerate solutions that create
a healthier, more resilient and more prosperous
global economy. Now is the time to lead through
concrete investments and scalable solutions that
protect people, businesses and the planet.Elia Tziambazis
Managing Director
and Partner, Boston
Consulting GroupEric White
Head, Climate Adaptation,
World Economic Forum
Building Economic Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change September 2025
3 Building Economic Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change
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