Bangladesh scores 13 out of 32 in global climate-health assessment

Bangladesh has scored 13 out of 32 in a global assessment of how countries integrate health into their climate action plans, receiving no points for financing and monitoring implementation, according to a new report by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA).

Published yestersday (19 October), the 2026 Healthy NDC Scorecard assessed 117 national climate plans covering 132 countries across eight categories.

Bangladesh received full marks, four out of four, for recognising the health benefits of climate action and three out of four for measures in the health sector. It scored two points each for air pollution and integrated governance, and one point each for health impacts and just transition.

The country received zero points for economics and finance, and monitoring and implementation, highlighting gaps in securing resources and tracking progress towards its climate and health commitments.

Bangladesh scored the same as South Africa, while Indonesia received 11 and the European Union 12. 

Colombia topped the assessment with 29 points, followed by Nigeria with 25 and Cambodia with 24. Japan, India and New Zealand scored just two points each.

Notably, 19 of the 20 highest-scoring countries were low- and middle-income nations.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining their climate action plans. 

Bangladesh's NDC recognises the right to health and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and calls for stronger cross-sectoral coordination to keep public health central to climate action.

The assessment highlights Bangladesh's plans to strengthen climate-resilient health systems, provide advisory services on disease outbreaks and develop health facilities capable of withstanding climate impacts. 

The country also plans to incorporate climate and health issues into medical curricula and health workforce training.

Measures in the health sector include healthcare waste management using non-incineration techniques, rooftop solar installations at hospitals and improved energy efficiency.

Bangladesh aims to install rooftop solar systems in 50% of existing government buildings, institutions, schools and hospitals, as well as in all newly constructed facilities in these categories.

The country's climate plan also recognises the health benefits of action in transport, agriculture, water, sanitation and waste management. Proposed measures include encouraging walking and cycling, strengthening climate-resilient food systems, preserving dietary diversity and improving nutrition.

The assessment says reducing emissions from sanitation, solid waste and water services can improve public health, particularly for children and communities vulnerable to climate change. 

Resilient water and sanitation systems can also reduce exposure to flooding and waterborne diseases during and after extreme weather events.

Bangladesh also plans to promote cleaner air and clean cooking around health and educational facilities to reduce local pollution and protect children's respiratory health. Occupational safety is identified as a guiding principle for a just transition.

Citing State of Global Air data, the scorecard reports 259.2 deaths from air pollution per 100,000 people in Bangladesh.

"Governments must grasp that air quality action is a vital part of effective climate action, and that people's health and lives are at stake with both," said Dr Jeni Miller, executive director of GCHA.

The report stresses that national climate plans require adequate funding to translate commitments into action. 

It also highlights the responsibility of developed countries to support developing nations in line with the Paris Agreement.

The scorecards are designed to help policymakers identify strengths, gaps and opportunities in national climate plans, highlight good practices and compare how countries incorporate health into their climate commitments.

GCHA is a coalition of more than 300 health professional organisations, civil society groups and networks working to minimise the health impacts of climate change while maximising the health benefits of climate mitigation.