On 22 April 2026, the launch of the Lancet Countdown Europe report on health and climate change took place in the Great Hall of the Old Heidelberg University bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and researchers to present the new Lancet report and share national success stories.
The event was opened by Dr. Maximilian Jungmann from the Heidelberg Center for the Environment (HCE) and Prof. Rohini Kuner, Vice Dean of Research at the Heidelberg Medical Faculty. Both speakers emphasized the urgency of integrating health perspectives into climate policy and research.
The main findings of the Lancet Countdown Europe report were presented by Prof. Joacim Rocklöv (Heidelberg Institute of Global Health and Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing) and Prof. Cathryn Tonne (Barcelona Institute for Global Health).
Key findings highlighted worsening health risks linked to climate change across Europe. Heat-related mortality has increased significantly, and the duration of extreme to exceptional droughts has expanded. Notably, the overall risk of dengue outbreaks has risen by 279% between 2015 and 2024. The report also addressed the intersection of energy systems and health, underlining the continued reliance on fossil fuels as a major barrier to progress. Prof. Tonne stressed the accelerating health risks of climate change and called for renewed political momentum and leadership to secure a healthier future.
The keynote address was delivered by Aleksandra Kazmierczak from the European Environment Agency (EEA), highlighting the importance of robust data to support policymaking and decision-making. Her presentation outlined key European Union strategies, including improving the understanding of climate-related risks, strengthening adaptive capacity, and advancing the European Climate and Health Observatory. Strategic objectives for 2030 include developing indicators for climate-related health risks, integrating adaptation into health policies, building climate literacy, and promoting evidence-based and inclusive solutions.
Several practical solutions for protecting human health from climate impacts were presented. These included the Paris Oasis Schoolyard Programme in France, initiatives to decarbonize and adapt healthcare systems to heat in Flanders, tick-borne encephalitis surveillance in Czechia, and mental health support programs for flood-affected populations in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.
Francesca Racioppi, Head of Office at the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, emphasized the importance of the Lancet Countdown in providing accountability, evidence, and policy-relevant data. She highlighted WHO Europe’s role in supporting 53 countries within the region through strengthened data systems, knowledge sharing, and translating evidence into action. Her remarks underscored the importance of collaboration across countries to address climate-related health challenges.
National Success Stories
Germany
Annkathrine von der Haar from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) presented Germany’s efforts to develop a national indicator set for monitoring climate change-related health impacts. She introduced the MOCCHA project, which focuses on tailoring monitoring systems to national needs and contexts, enabling more effective tracking and response to health risks associated with climate change.
France
Dr. Frédéric Jourdain, Head of the Vector-Borne Diseases Programme within the Directorate of Infectious Diseases at Santé publique France, presented an insightful overview of how France is strengthening public health preparedness and surveillance in response to the growing threat of vector-borne diseases in an era of global change. His presentation focused on diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which are transmitted by Aedes albopictus, a mosquito species that has been expanding its geographical range across Europe.
He described how France has developed a comprehensive surveillance system that combines mandatory notification of cases with proactive seasonal monitoring, particularly between May and November when mosquito activity is at its peak. This enhanced surveillance approach integrates multiple components, including systematic reporting of suspected and confirmed cases, daily collection and analysis of laboratory data, detailed epidemiological investigations, and targeted vector control interventions. Public awareness campaigns also play a central role in ensuring community engagement and early detection.
Dr. Jourdain emphasized that the continued spread of vector-borne diseases, driven by climate change, calls for stronger surveillance systems, improved resource allocation, and the adoption of integrated One Health approaches. These measures are essential to ensure timely responses and effective coordination across public health systems.
Austria
The session then shifted focus to Austria’s efforts in addressing climate change within the healthcare sector. Dr. Ruperta Lichtenecker, Head of the Competence Centre for Climate and Health at the Austrian National Public Health Institute, presented Austria’s “Net-Zero Strategy in Healthcare,” highlighting both practical achievements and long-term strategic planning. She began with the example of a sustainable hospital in Tyrol, where energy consumption has been reduced by approximately fifty percent, and around ninety percent of energy demand is met through renewable sources. These improvements were achieved through targeted renovations, advanced energy management systems, and the installation of photovoltaic technologies.
Building on this example, she outlined Austria’s broader strategy to create a climate-neutral healthcare system by addressing multiple domains, including energy use, building infrastructure, food systems, pharmaceuticals, transport, medical devices, and waste and resource management. The approach involved assessing the current status of each sector, identifying best practices, and developing tailored recommendations. Implementation has been supported by strong governance structures and enabling conditions such as appropriate legal frameworks, financial mechanisms, and research support.
The strategy follows a structured process beginning with data collection and analysis to inform a comprehensive climate action plan, followed by implementation supported by expert consultants, and concluding with evaluation and continuous improvement of the measures taken. At present, approximately 554 healthcare facilities across Austria are actively participating in this initiative. Additional efforts include training programs for climate managers and the promotion of innovation through best practice awards.
Despite these successes, several challenges remain, including the need to strengthen awareness and commitment among stakeholders, establish suitable financial and regulatory frameworks, and address gaps in knowledge and technical expertise. Dr. Lichtenecker underscored a central message throughout her presentation: climate protection is health protection.
Local insights from Heidelberg
The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring Raoul Schmidt-Lamontain, Deputy Mayor for Climate Protection, Environment, and Mobility of the City of Heidelberg. He reflected on how the examples presented during the session reaffirm and support the initiatives already underway in Heidelberg. He also noted that many cities in Baden-Württemberg rank high on the climate risk index, highlighting the urgency of local action.
Heidelberg has been actively advancing several initiatives, including climate action plans and urban development strategies that prioritize resilience to climate impacts. A key theme emphasized during the discussion was the importance of narratives, storytelling, and effective communication in shaping public understanding and engagement with climate issues.
The event ended by congratulating all researchers who have contributed to the Lancet Countdown Europe report on Health and Climate Change.
