$65 billion investment needed to combat climate health crisis by 2050
A major investment in medical innovation could prevent 6.5 million deaths and save $5.8 trillion in economic losses from climate-related health impacts over the next 25 years, according to a comprehensive new analysis from the World Economic Forum.
Climate threats to human health
Climate change is already triggering severe public health challenges globally, from deadly heatwaves in Europe to expanding ranges of infectious diseases. A new white paper published by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Oliver Wyman outlines how targeted investment in medical innovation could substantially reduce these mounting health threats.
The report projects that without intervention, climate-related health impacts will cause an additional 14.5 million deaths and cost the global economy $12.5 trillion by 2050. However, strategic investment of $65 billion in vaccines, medicines, medical devices and health technology over the next 5-8 years could prevent nearly half of these impacts.
Investment priorities and potential impacts
The analysis identified eight priority disease areas where medical innovation could have the greatest impact, including vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, mental health conditions, and heat-related illnesses.
“Through investment in vaccines, medicines, medical devices, health-tech and climate services, 6.5 million lives could potentially be saved, global economic losses reduced by $5.8 trillion and one billion fewer disability-adjusted life years accrued,” the authors report.
Barriers to implementation
The report highlights several key challenges, including uncertain market demand in affected regions, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and limited collaboration between climate and health scientists. To overcome these barriers, the authors recommend developing innovative funding mechanisms and harmonized global policies.
“The climate crisis will demand global coordination on an even greater scale than was needed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report states, emphasizing that the required investment represents less than 5% of annual pharmaceutical industry R&D spending.
Regional disparities and equity concerns
The analysis reveals stark regional differences in vulnerability to climate-related health impacts. Mortality rates in Africa are projected to be more than 20 times higher than in North and Central America and almost 14 times higher than in Europe.
“The brunt of climate-driven illnesses will be borne by the most vulnerable populations in less-developed economies,” the authors note, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and strengthened healthcare systems in these regions.
Healthcare system resilience
The report emphasizes that one in 12 hospitals worldwide – 16,245 facilities – may be forced to close due to extreme weather events by century’s end. It calls for coordinated action to build climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems.
The authors conclude that while the investment required is substantial, the potential return in terms of lives saved and economic losses prevented makes it “a cost-effective and ethical approach” to addressing the mounting health impacts of climate change.
Reference:
World Economic Forum. (2025). Healthcare in a Changing Climate: Investing in Resilient Solutions. World Economic Forum White Paper, January 2025.