U.N. Climate Chief Warns Extreme Heat Threatens Newborns, Calls for Global Action

U.N. climate chief warns extreme heat risks premature births and low birth weight. Global leaders meet in Fiji ahead of major climate summit.

Editorial Desk

October 5, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Nadi, Fiji — The U.N. climate chief has issued a stark warning about the growing impact of extreme heat on maternal and infant health, as global leaders gather in Fiji for critical climate discussions ahead of the upcoming COP31 summit.

During a series of meetings in Nadi and on Tuvalu, world officials are focusing on the urgent challenges faced by Pacific island nations, which are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. These talks serve as a prelude to the larger U.N.-organized climate conference set to take place in Turkey next month.

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Simon Stiell, the U.N. climate chief, emphasized that rising temperatures have been linked to an increase in complications during pregnancy, including premature births, stillbirths, and low birth weight. A recent survey found that over two-thirds of healthcare professionals across five continents have observed such issues linked to extreme heat in the past five years. Meanwhile, Plan International highlighted that climate disasters also heighten the risk of child marriage and teen pregnancies, particularly in regions where essential services are disrupted.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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