India Scores Low in Climate Plan Health Impact Assessment
India Scores Low in Climate Plan Health Impact Assessment
IN · Published Oct 19, 2026
• A recent ranking by the Global Climate and Health Alliance evaluated 117 national climate plans, focusing on their consideration of health risks such as heat, malaria, air pollution, and the resilience of healthcare facilities to climate shocks like floods and heatwaves. The report revealed that 19 of the top 20 countries in the ranking are low- and middle-income nations, which collectively contribute only 1.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, major emitters, including India, China, the United States, and Russia, scored poorly, with India receiving just two points out of a possible
• The report highlights a significant gap in addressing health impacts in the climate commitments of these high-emission countries.

Impact & Risks

India, as the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has been criticised for its climate plan's lack of focus on air pollutants and health risks. This oversight could exacerbate public health challenges, including respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and heat-related health issues, particularly as climate change intensifies. The report underscores the disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income countries, which, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, are leading in integrating health considerations into their climate strategies.

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