Core Viewpoint - Climate change is rapidly reshaping disease patterns in the Western Pacific region, exacerbating the spread of vector-borne diseases and worsening non-communicable diseases due to high temperatures and air pollution [1][2]. Group 1: Climate Change and Health Risks - The WHO estimates that climate change will lead to an additional 250,000 deaths globally each year between 2030 and 2050 [1]. - The Western Pacific region, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, faces significant public health risks due to urbanization, aging populations, and frequent extreme weather events [1][2]. - The spread of the chikungunya virus has been reported in 119 countries, with approximately 5.5 million people at risk of infection [1][2]. Group 2: Vector-Borne Diseases - The rise in chikungunya cases in non-tropical regions is attributed to climate change, environmental factors, urbanization, and population movement [2]. - Other vector-borne diseases of concern include dengue fever and malaria, which have previously seen little outbreak activity in non-tropical countries [2]. - Existing vaccines for these diseases are unevenly supplied and often lack sufficient protective efficacy, with the chikungunya vaccines currently unavailable in China [2][3]. Group 3: Monitoring and Response Systems - There is a need to improve multi-sectoral monitoring networks and early warning systems for zoonotic diseases [3]. - Reliable data from various sources is crucial for accurate disease prediction and public health response [3]. - The integration of AI and other technologies presents opportunities for enhancing climate and health monitoring systems [3]. Group 4: China's Progress and Global Implications - China has made strides in disease monitoring, including the upcoming implementation of a new Infectious Disease Prevention Law [4]. - The country has developed extreme weather warning systems and invested in green health infrastructure, providing a model for other nations [4]. - The WHO emphasizes the need for governments to prioritize health issues in climate financing, as health-related interventions currently receive less than 1% of climate funding [5][6]. Group 5: Future Directions - Future climate financing should focus on four health areas: strengthening primary health care in severely affected regions, developing integrated health and climate data monitoring systems, enhancing health workforce capacity, and accelerating clean energy transitions [6].

Core Viewpoint - Climate change is expected to lead to an additional 250,000 deaths globally each year from 2030 to 2050, significantly impacting public health systems, particularly in the Western Pacific region, which includes countries like China [1][2] Group 1: Health Risks and Disease Patterns - Climate change is rapidly reshaping disease patterns in the Western Pacific, exacerbating vector-borne diseases and increasing the severity of non-communicable diseases due to high temperatures and air pollution [1] - The chikungunya virus, which has spread to 119 countries, poses a risk to approximately 5.5 million people, with symptoms including high fever and severe joint pain, potentially leading to long-term disabilities [1][2] - Other vector-borne diseases of concern include dengue fever and malaria, which have seen increased cases in non-tropical regions due to climate change, urbanization, and population movement [2] Group 2: Vaccine and Treatment Challenges - Current vaccines for chikungunya and malaria are limited in availability and effectiveness, with existing vaccines showing insufficient protection and requiring booster shots [2] - There are two chikungunya vaccines available globally, but neither is currently supplied in China, highlighting a gap in vaccine accessibility [2] Group 3: Monitoring and Response Systems - There is a need for improved multi-sectoral monitoring networks and early warning systems for zoonotic diseases, emphasizing the importance of data integration from various sources [3] - The integration of AI and data visualization technologies presents opportunities for enhancing disease prediction and response capabilities [3] Group 4: China's Progress and Global Implications - China has made strides in disease monitoring and has implemented a new Infectious Disease Prevention Law to enhance surveillance and reporting systems [4][5] - The National Climate Change Health Adaptation Action Plan (2024-2030) aims to foster interdepartmental collaboration to address health impacts of climate change, serving as a model for other countries [5] Group 5: Funding and Policy Recommendations - Health issues remain a low priority in global climate financing, with less than 1% of funds allocated for health-related interventions despite increasing evidence of climate impacts on health [6] - Future climate financing should prioritize health initiatives, including strengthening primary healthcare in climate-affected areas, developing integrated health and climate monitoring systems, and enhancing healthcare infrastructure resilience [6]