The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, highlighted the ongoing threats climate change poses to the health of women, girls, and vulnerable populations. While the summit did not achieve a binding fossil-fuel phaseout, it produced commitments that have the potential to enhance sexual and reproductive health (SRH) systems.
Significant outcomes included an agreement to triple global adaptation finance by 2035 and streamline access to climate funds, opening avenues for resource allocation towards climate-resilient SRH services. This includes ensuring continuous access to contraceptive supplies, emergency obstetric care, and integrated gender- based violence (GBV) and SRH services during climate disruptions.
COP30 also advanced the operationalization of loss-and-damage financing to provide quicker support for communities affected by climate events. These resources can help restore maternal health services and supply infrastructure compromised by extreme weather.
Gender and health were central themes in discussions. The updated Gender Action Plan emphasized integrating SRH and GBV prevention into climate strategies, acknowledging the disproportionate risks women and girls face as climate impacts intensify.
Although progress on fossil fuels was mixed, COP30 reinforced the necessity for resilient health systems. Investments in cold-chain systems, decentralized contraceptive distribution, mobile SRH outreach, and climate-prepared healthcare providers emerged as critical adaptation measures.
The summit advocated for locally led initiatives and direct financing access, empowering local NGOs and community organizations to develop strong climate- responsive SRH proposals.
Moving forward, governments should integrate SRH continuity into national adaptation plans while embedding SRH indicators in climate monitoring. Donors were encouraged to create targeted adaptation finance windows for health and SRH, while NGOs and civil society should strengthen advocacy and build climate-linked SRH resilience projects.
In summary, COP30 reaffirmed SRH as essential for climate resilience, offering a vital opportunity to safeguard the health and rights of women and girls in the face of escalating climate risks.