Turkey pushes for climate-health fund ahead of Antalya COP31 summit

Ahead of the 31st UN climate conference in Antalya, Turkey is advocating for a dedicated climate-and-health support fund to strengthen the capacity of developing countries to cope with climate-related health risks. Emine Didem Evci Kiraz, who teaches at Adnan Menderes University and sits on the Health Ministry’s Scientific Board on Climate Change and Health, argued that health considerations have been insufficiently integrated into past climate negotiations.

She stressed that adaptation measures, such as protecting hospitals, family health centers, pharmacies and vaccine logistics, are as vital as emissions cuts. The COP31 agenda, co-hosted with Australia, lists "dynamic and resilient health systems" as a key theme, positioning Turkey’s approach as a model for climate-health action. Citing a Lancet Countdown report, Kiraz noted that extreme weather endangers one in twelve hospitals globally, a risk that also applies to Turkish facilities. She called for targeted policies for vulnerable groups, early-warning systems and climate-adapted care models for older adults living alone.