Key moments
Recent developments in Bultu-Briya, Yobe State, Nigeria, highlight the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Reports indicate that the Earth’s energy imbalance has increased significantly since 1960, particularly in the last two decades, raising alarms among scientists and health officials alike.
In 2025, ocean heat content reached the highest level recorded since 1960, with 90% of the ocean surface area experiencing at least one marine heatwave. This unprecedented rise in ocean temperatures is contributing to rising sea levels, which were approximately 11 cm higher than the start of the satellite altimetry record in 1993. Such changes are not only environmental concerns but also have profound implications for public health.
Climate change is increasingly redefining disease patterns and vulnerabilities of health systems across Africa. For instance, dengue fever, the world’s fastest-growing mosquito-borne disease, has seen reported cases reach their highest levels ever. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for health systems to adapt to the realities of a changing climate.
In 2025, the annual average Arctic sea-ice extent was recorded as the lowest or second lowest since the satellite era began, further emphasizing the drastic changes occurring in our climate. Meanwhile, exceptional levels of glacier mass loss were reported in Iceland and along the Pacific coast of North America, contributing to the ongoing rise in global sea levels.
According to recent studies, approximately 1.2 billion people face workplace heat risks at some point each year due to rising temperatures. This statistic is a stark reminder of the immediate threats posed by climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions like Nigeria. As Celeste Saulo noted, “Human activities are increasingly disrupting the natural equilibrium and we will live with these consequences for hundreds and thousands of years.”
Furthermore, the decline in ocean surface pH over the past 41 years, attributed to human activities, has led to significant ecological consequences. Around 29% of the CO2 emissions from human activities between 2015 and 2024 were absorbed by the ocean, resulting in a concerning decrease in ocean health.
Global leaders are responding to these challenges with increasing urgency. Mr. Guterres stated, “Our addiction to fossil fuels is destabilizing both the climate and global security,” emphasizing the need for a collective shift towards sustainable practices. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is an escalating challenge that demands immediate action from governments, health organizations, and communities worldwide.
As the situation continues to evolve, the need for effective climate change adaptation strategies becomes increasingly clear. Health systems must integrate climate resilience into their frameworks to ensure they can withstand the pressures of a changing environment. The call for action is loud and clear: climate change adaptation is not merely a luxury but an essential capability for health security.