Intense heat puts births in jeopardy, UN tells Fiji talks

At pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, UN climate chief Simon Stiell cited a new survey finding more than two-thirds of health professionals across five continents have seen heat-driven pregnancy complications in the past five years, including premature birth, stillbirth, and low birth weight. A separate report from Plan International linked climate disasters to rising rates of child marriage and teen pregnancy through disruption of health and education services.

Fiji's climate minister called for richer nations to fund a 'just transition,' noting a UN report found developing countries need $310-365 billion annually for adaptation but had only $26 billion available in 2023. Australia, leading this year's negotiations while expanding coal exports amid Middle East-driven demand, faced direct questions about the contradiction, with its minister arguing a fossil-fuel exporter can still 'bring something different to the table.'

Delegates plan to visit low-lying Tuvalu, whose capital sits just 6.6 feet above sea level and which is already planning for relocation if rising seas consume it.

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