How Well Are National Climate Plans Protecting Health? Launching the GCHA Healthy NDC Scorecards

Under the Paris Agreement, governments update their national climate plans – known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – every five years. These plans set out emissions reductions targets and interventions across sectors to address climate change. Health is a vital part of effective climate action. Ensuring the integration of health into climate policy protects populations, maximises economic benefits, and builds public support for ambitious climate policies which are so urgently needed. 

In October 2026, the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) will launch the latest iteration of the Healthy NDC Scorecards, which provide a global assessment of how comprehensively health is integrated into national climate plans. The Scorecards examine, among other things, references to health impacts and air pollution, health-related actions across sectors, and financial and governance considerations.

By producing a global ranking highlighting where health is being addressed – and where important gaps remain – these scorecards provide policymakers with a tool to identify opportunities to strengthen the health dimension of climate action.