UN Climate Chief Alerts on Heat Risks to Pregnant Women and Infants

WHO:

CBS News - Simon Stiell, U.N. climate chief

CBS News - Lynda Tabuya, Fiji's climate minister

CBS News - Chris Bowen, Australian climate minister

CBS News - Plan International charity

WHAT:

CBS News - Extreme heat is linked to premature births, stillbirths, low birth weight, and maternal complications.

CBS News - A survey indicated that more than two-thirds of health professionals across five continents reported complications due to intense heat in the past five years.

CBS News - Developing countries need $310 billion to $365 billion for climate adaptation but only had $26 billion available in 2023.

CBS News - Up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050 due to climate change.

WHERE:

CBS News - Nadi, Fiji, where talks are being held.

CBS News - Tuvalu, where a one-day trip for delegates is planned.

CBS News - Naidiri Village, a marine protected area in Fiji.

WHEN:

CBS News - COP31, a major U.N.-sponsored global climate summit, is scheduled to be held in Turkey next month.

WHY:

CBS News - Climate disasters are increasing the risk of child marriage and teen pregnancies due to their impact on health and education services.

CBS News - The South Pacific is among the most vulnerable regions to global warming, facing rising sea levels and increasing temperatures.

HOW:

CBS News - Fiji's climate minister called for commitments from developing nations for a "just transition" with support for the most affected countries.

CBS News - Delegates are engaging in discussions to find common ground on climate issues, despite differing opinions on fossil fuel expansion.

(UPDATED October 5, 2026 13:14 UTC)

At a climate conference in Nadi, Fiji, key figures including U.N. climate chief Simon Stiell and Fiji's climate minister Lynda Tabuya highlighted alarming findings linking extreme heat to serious health complications such as premature births and maternal issues. A recent survey revealed that over two-thirds of health professionals across five continents have reported complications due to intense heat, while developing countries are facing a staggering funding gap for climate adaptation, needing between $310 billion and $365 billion but only having $26 billion available in 2023. As discussions continue among delegates, including Australian climate minister Chris Bowen, the urgency for a "just transition" and support for the most affected nations is clear, especially with COP31 set to take place in Turkey next month.