Report Presentation & National Success Stories The Launch of the 2026 Europe Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change

As geopolitical instability continues to drive soaring energy prices across Europe, the continent’s continued vulnerability to fossil fuel dependence has been thrown into sharp focus. Beyond the economic and security risks of volatile fuel markets, the health impacts of fossil fuel combustion - from intensifying heat harms to worsening air pollution - are increasingly evident. These interconnected pressures are revealed in the forthcoming Europe Report of the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, which charts how fossil fuel reliance is undermining both immediate well-being and long-term resilience across the region.

The Lancet Countdown Europe is an international, interdisciplinary research initiative that aims to develop open, transparent and rigorous indicators to track the impact of climate change on population health. As well as monitoring the health impacts of climate change, it follows the adaptation and mitigation actions taken, the economic and financial aspects, and public and political engagement across Europe. The third edition of the Lancet Countdown in Europe report will be published in the Lancet Public Health journal on April 22, 2026.

This report will be launched in the heart of Heidelberg. Prof. Joacim Rocklöv, co-chair of The Lancet Countdown in Europe, will present the main findings. National and pan-European representatives will follow, including the European Environment Agency, the World Health Organization in Europe, national health agencies (e.g., the Robert Koch Institute and Santé publique France), and the leader of the Austrian Climate and Health Competence Centre. They will highlight national success stories. A panel discussion with national and local representatives along with experts will follow. The discussion will explore the key ingredients needed for successful integrated climate and health action.

The event is open to everyone, either in person or online. Refreshments will be served at the end of the event, and there will be an opportunity to meet the researchers who contributed to the Lancet Countdown in Europe report, as well as the keynote speakers and panelists.

The event will be held in English. However, synchronous translation into German will be available for people attending in person.  

For more information, please visit the launch event website.