On January 14, 2026, an article by Mr. Joji Sugawara, Vice President of Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI), titled “Time for Action Against Climate Change and Health Crises,” was featured in the “My Perspective” (Watashi no Shiten) column of the Asahi Shimbun.

■ Key Points of the Article

The article reviews how international discussions shifted toward “action” in 2025, marked by the adoption of the Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP) at COP30. It also discusses the growing severity of heatstroke risks in Japan and the environmental impact of the healthcare sector itself.

• 2025 as a Year of Action and Global Trends:
  The Belém Health Action Plan (BHAP), adopted at COP30, is the first international adaptation plan specifically focused on health. There is a growing global consensus to treat the climate crisis as a “health crisis” and move toward implementation.
• Heatstroke as an Everyday Risk in Japan:
  In 2025, the number of people transported to hospitals for heatstroke exceeded 100,000 for the first time. With over half being elderly and many cases occurring at home, heatstroke has become a constant threat in Japan’s aging society.
• Responsibility and Decarbonization of Healthcare Systems:
  Japan’s healthcare system is estimated to account for approximately 6% of national greenhouse gas emissions. Japan needs a framework that integrates legislation, financial support, and governance, similar to the “Greener NHS” initiative in the UK.
• Building a Cross-Sectoral Responsibility Framework:
  Climate change is a risk directly linked to public health, social security, and the economy. It is time for healthcare professionals, policymakers, industry, and citizens to stand together and take action to protect the health of future generations.

The full article is available in the Asahi Shimbun (January 14, 2026, morning edition) and on the Asahi Shimbun Digital website (Japanese only).