Translation: Executive summary of the 2026 Europe report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change
Narrowing window for decisive health action
Abstract
Climate change is no longer an abstract future risk, but an everyday reality that directly affects our health. It affects not only particularly vulnerable groups—children, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses—but the entire Hungarian population. Its consequences are already being felt today: the risk of premature death is rising, the demand for healthcare is increasing, and work capacity is declining.
All of this sends a clear message: understanding the health impacts of climate change, monitoring them regularly, and developing responses cannot be postponed. This is a shared responsibility for all those working in public health and related fields—and it is also an opportunity to actively contribute to a healthier, more equitable future.
References
Kriit, H. K., Chen-Xu, J., Semenza, J. C., Heiliger, H., Markandya, A., Dasandi, N., Jankin, S., van Daalen, K. R., Achebak, H., Alari, A., Alcayna, T., Ball, E., Ballester, J., Bechara, H., Callaghan, M. W., van Cauwenberghe, M., Charnley, G. E. C., Courtenay, O., Cirach, M., Garcia-Corral, P., … Rocklöv, J. (2026). The 2026 Europe report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: narrowing window for decisive health action. The Lancet. Public health, S2468-2667(26)00025-3. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/ S2468-2667(26)00025-3
