Climate change is not just an environmental crisis — it is a growing health emergency, with women and girls among the most vulnerable to its impacts. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and air pollution are already affecting pregnancy outcomes, exacerbating health inequalities, and straining healthcare systems worldwide.

As the world prepares to mark International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme ‘Accelerating Action‘, the urgency to address these challenges has never been greater. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is calling for stronger action from the UK Government and health services to protect women’s health from the escalating risks of climate change. As part of its commitment to sustainable healthcare, the College has launched a new policy position urging immediate steps to cut emissions, safeguard essential healthcare services, and prioritise gender equality in climate strategies.

The impact of climate change on women’s health

In the UK, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. After surpassing 40°C for the first time in 2022, the country experienced its warmest spring on record in 2024 — heightening the risks of heat-related complications for pregnant women and older adults. Meanwhile, poor air quality — worsened by fossil fuel reliance — has been linked to serious pregnancy risks, including preterm birth and stillbirth. Exposure to road traffic pollution during pregnancy is also believed to affect fetal growth and childhood lung function.

Beyond the UK, the situation is even more severe. Climate change is driving extreme weather, food insecurity, displacement, and poverty, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable regions. Rising global temperatures are intensifying extreme weather events such as droughts, hurricanes, and heatwaves, which in turn lead to widespread food and water shortages. In many low-income countries, prolonged droughts have made it harder for communities to grow crops and access clean drinking water, increasing the burden on women, who are often responsible for securing food and water for their families.

Climate-induced disasters, such as severe flooding and wildfires, force millions of people from their homes each year. Women and girls who are displaced are at a heightened risk of gender-based violence, including trafficking, exploitation, and abuse in temporary shelters and refugee camps. Pregnant women in these settings often face life-threatening challenges, as access to maternal healthcare becomes severely limited.

Poverty and economic instability, worsened by climate change, further widen gender inequalities.

The need for urgent action

To tackle the root cause of climate change, developed nations must significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The RCOG is urging the UK government to rapidly phase out support for fossil fuels and prioritise health and equity in the transition to renewable energy. One of its core recommendations is to halt the issuing of new licences for fossil fuel exploration, extraction, and sale.

Fossil fuel reliance doesn’t just drive climate change — it pollutes the air we breathe, harming public health. In 2023, RCOG President Dr Ranee Thakar joined healthcare leaders in condemning the UK Government’s decision to approve the Rosebank oilfield, arguing it would worsen the climate crisis and pose a direct threat to health. Earlier this year, the Scottish courts ruled the approval unlawful due to its failure to fully account for emissions, reinforcing the need for a rapid shift away from fossil fuels.

Strengthening healthcare resilience

While cutting emissions is critical, it’s also imperative we ensure healthcare services can withstand climate-related disruptions. Flooding, heatwaves, and extreme weather events must not prevent access to essential services like maternity care. Clear plans are required to boost climate resilience across all sectors, with healthcare at the forefront.

The College is urging for the reversal of cuts to the overseas aid budget, that support lower-income countries in adapting to climate challenges, and champion gender equality on the international stage.

Leading the way in sustainable healthcare

The RCOG is committed to supporting its members in delivering low-carbon, sustainable care. From working with maternity professionals to creating resources for greener maternity services, the College is driving change within healthcare.

As part of this effort, the RCOG is hosting the Green Maternity Conference: Taking collective action to deliver low-carbon, equitable maternity care on 19 March 2025. The event will bring together experts to explore practical ways to reduce healthcare emissions while maintaining high-quality care for women and babies.

“There is no time to delay”

Dr Ranee Thakar emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating: “Climate change is happening, and we cannot sit back and let it damage health across our lifetime and the lives of generations to come. Our members around the world see first-hand the disastrous effects that climate-related extreme weather, displacement, and poverty are having on women’s health and pregnancy outcomes. The UK Government must act now to ensure our health services are resilient while seizing the opportunity to improve health equity at the same time. There is no time to delay.”