UN Climate Chief Warns of Heat Risks to Maternal Health

Simon Stiell, the United Nations Climate Change Executive Secretary, raised concerns about the dangers of extreme heat for pregnant women and newborns during the event “Birthright! A Global Call to Action to Protect Pregnant Women from Global Heating” in Fiji.

He emphasized that maternal health is increasingly at risk due to climate change, particularly in Pacific Island communities where extreme heat disrupts essential services. Stiell stated that rising temperatures are associated with premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight, and severe maternal complications.

A global survey of maternal health professionals revealed that 73% reported an increase in heat-related maternal health cases over the past five years, and 81% expressed concern about the escalating risks without urgent action. The survey indicated that 98% of respondents had treated pregnant women and 99% had treated newborns affected by extreme heat.

Stiell described the situation as a new fault line in the climate crisis, with real stories of pregnant women struggling to access healthcare under extreme conditions.