Climate Change Is a Health Issue: Why Exeter Climate Forum 2026 Matters

As climate change accelerates, one message is becoming impossible to ignore: climate change is a health issue.

From rising temperatures and worsening air quality to changing disease patterns, food insecurity and mental health impacts, the climate crisis is already affecting human health around the world. Yet within these challenges lies an opportunity—not just to reduce emissions, but to create healthier, fairer and more resilient communities.

This is why the Climate and Health theme at the Exeter Climate Forum 2026 is so important. Bringing together world-leading researchers, policymakers, businesses and civil society, the Forum will explore how climate science can be translated into practical action ahead of COP31 and beyond.

Putting Health at the Centre of Climate Action

For many years, climate change has been framed primarily as an environmental challenge. Increasingly, however, researchers and policymakers are recognising that the consequences are deeply human.

Climate change influences where we live, the air we breathe, the food we eat, our exposure to infectious diseases, and our physical and mental wellbeing. Addressing climate change therefore presents one of the greatest public health opportunities of our generation.

The Exeter Climate Forum’s Climate and Health programme reflects this growing understanding. Sessions will examine the health impacts of climate change, emerging risks such as pathogens and antimicrobial resistance, and the actions needed to build healthier and more resilient societies.

The Net Positive Centre: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

At the heart of these conversations is the Net Positive Centre. Rather than focusing solely on minimising harm, the Centre asks a more ambitious question: How can climate action actively improve people’s lives?

The Centre’s work is built around the concept of finding ‘net positive’ solutions—interventions that benefit:

• The environment
• Human health
• Health equity

Examples include designing healthier cities, increasing access to green and blue spaces, creating more sustainable food systems, and developing approaches that support vulnerable communities while reducing emissions.

A Showcase of Net Positive Thinking

One of the headline Climate and Health sessions at the Forum—“Triple Win Opportunities in Responding to Climate Change: Improving the Environment, Health and Health Equity”—will place these ideas centre stage.

Led by the Net Positive Centre, the session will bring together experts from the University of Exeter, the UK Health Security Agency, the National Trust, Forest Research and Natural England to explore how climate action can deliver benefits far beyond carbon reduction. Participants will hear visions of a healthier, more sustainable future and contribute to discussions about how those visions can become reality.

The session exemplifies the Centre’s collaborative approach. Through partnerships with organisations including the UK Health Security Agency, National Trust and Forest Research, the Net Positive Centre is bringing together expertise from across sectors to address some of society’s most complex challenges.

Why This Matters Now

The timing of these discussions could not be more critical.

Recent years have seen record-breaking global temperatures, increasing pressure on health systems, and growing recognition that climate change is already affecting everyday life. At the same time, there is increasing evidence that many climate solutions can generate immediate health benefits—from cleaner air and more active travel to healthier diets and improved access to nature.

This means climate action should not be viewed as a future cost. It is an investment in healthier people, healthier communities and a healthier planet.

Looking Ahead

The Exeter Climate Forum is more than a conference. It is a space where ideas are tested, partnerships are formed and solutions are shaped. Bringing together climate scientists, public health experts, policymakers, businesses and communities, it provides an opportunity to bridge disciplines and accelerate action.

For the Net Positive Centre, it is also an opportunity to demonstrate that climate and health are not separate agendas, focusing on solutions that deliver benefits for the environment, health and equity simultaneously, we have the chance to move beyond simply managing climate risks and towards creating a future that is healthier, fairer and more resilient for everyone. Speakers from the Net Positive team include Professor Gesche Huebner, Dr Mat Collins Dr Emma Gillingham Professor Rosa Barciela Professor Rosie Hails Professor John Newton  Professor Tim Taylor Professor Conny Guell Dr Helen Macintyre.

Taking place during the week commencing 29 June there are two great ways to get involved:

Submit a poster abstract: Abstracts are invited across the Climate and Health theme, including current and future health impacts of climate change and “triple-win” opportunities that benefit the environment, health, and health equity. Deadline: 2 June, 17:00 BST

 Join the conference: Attend sessions spanning climate science, health, extreme weather, tipping points, and more, while connecting with researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working at the forefront of climate action.