UNGA80: New report finds communities hold the key to scalable climate-health solutions and urges world leaders to back them amid funding shortfalls

Climate adaptation is a leading priority for communities across Africa and South Asia. New report showcases how community-solutions are tackling climate-related health challenges, offering blueprint insights as world leaders prepare for critical convenings in 2025.

• Read the report here

24 September, NEW YORK – A new report from the Collective Minds Climate x Health Council, convened by Foundation S and the Africa-Europe Foundation, finds that communities on the frontlines of climate change are not only adapting but innovating - designing scalable health solutions that extend far beyond their borders.

Drawing on interviews with communities and illustrated with qualitative case studies from seven countries disproportionately impacted by climate change, the report highlights recommendations that are globally relevant, offering guidance for governments, multilateral institutions, and philanthropy alike.

The report, Risk, Resilience, Results: The Power of Investing in Locally Led Climate and Health Solutions reveals that local knowledge is producing some of the world’s most effective climate–health interventions. These solutions cut across multiple health pathways, from food and water security to mental wellbeing (anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome) and resilient health systems, showing that community action delivers outsized impact with minimal resources.

Key takeaways

• Local communities are designing and implementing solutions that tackle climate-related health challenges and leverage development opportunities.
• Women and youth are stepping into leadership roles, drawing from traditional knowledge and blending it with scientific approaches to innovate amid adversity.
• Insights from Africa and South Asia provide blueprints for addressing climate change and health priorities worldwide, demonstrating that locally led solutions can inform global policy and practice.

The report gives voice to communities that are often left out of policy discussions and lack the critical support needed to amplify their impact. In a context of rising pressures related to the intensifying effects of climate change, it puts out an urgent call to action for policymakers to partner and invest in and with communities.

Commenting on the release of the report, Sandrine Bouttier Stref, Interim Director General of Foundation S and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Sanofi: “The devastating impacts of climate disasters are being felt around the world, with communities across Africa and South Asia living on the frontlines of this crisis. With few accessible international funding mechanisms to address the human cost and recovery, these communities have drawn on local knowledge and innovation to build effective, scalable, and sustainable health solutions. These models not only protect health but also strengthen resilience across interconnected health systems.”

Addressing the health impacts of climate change is an urgent global priority. Investing in climate action is vital to safeguarding our collective future. Now is the time for global and local stakeholders to unite, champion locally led innovations and ensure their integration into climate and health policies.

Paul Walton, Executive Director of the Africa-Europe Foundation and Collective Minds Council Member said: “Communities are not only on the frontline of the climate-health crisis, they are also on the frontline of solutions. Their knowledge and leadership are essential to bridging the silos between climate, health and development. At the Africa-Europe Foundation, we are committed to amplifying these voices and ensuring they are integrated into the decisions shaping the global agenda and driving the AU–EU partnership as we head into the 7th Africa-Europe Summit this November in Luanda."

The report draws on in-depth interviews and narratives from 12 community-based organisations, revealing that communities are not passive recipients of support. They are creators of solutions, advancing broader development goals while strengthening health systems. Strong relationships with external partners, combined with locally adapted planning, storytelling, and community participation, are essential for scaling these solutions effectively. Community Health Workers also play a pivotal role in delivering climate-resilient care, ensuring local knowledge informs health system responses.

Five recommendations for decision-makers
As leaders prepare for UNGA in New York, COP30 in Brazil and the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, the report highlights key recommendations for multilateral organisations, and philanthropy, particularly:

• Develop coordinated funding mechanisms to strengthen local leadership and ensure communities can access resources quickly and effectively.
• Embed local leadership in decision-making at national and global levels, including AU–EU and other international forums.
• Integrate climate, health, and development agendas across sectors and geographies to maximise impact.
• Value and scale traditional and local knowledge in developing solutions, ensuring culturally grounded approaches.
• Centre communities in building climate-resilient health systems through training, infrastructure investment, and participatory governance.

While every community faces unique challenges, locally led solutions provide lessons for the world. By centring communities in adaptation planning, decision-makers can bridge sectoral siloes, accelerate the Sustainable Development Goals, and create scalable interventions that protect health and livelihoods globally. A timely approach as world leaders gather for the 80th UN General Assembly in New York.