University of Oxford - Children and Climate Initiative

The Children and Climate Initiative at the University of Oxford is a multidisciplinary research and policy collaboration focused on understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on child health and development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Bringing together experts in climate science, global health, data science, public policy, and community engagement, the Initiative combines over 600 nationally representative datasets with advanced climate and earth observation data to identify where climate-related health risks to children are most acute and how governments can respond effectively.

The Initiative offers strong technical expertise directly relevant to delivery of the COP26 Health Programme Commitments, particularly in supporting climate-resilient health systems and evidence-based adaptation planning. Its capabilities include climate-health vulnerability assessment, predictive modelling using AI and integrated datasets, and translating complex research into practical policy guidance and implementation tools for governments and international partners. The Initiative’s collaborations with UNICEF, Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute, the Planetary Health Informatics Lab, and regional child development networks position it to support countries in developing data-driven health adaptation strategies, strengthening resilience planning, and informing low-carbon, equitable health policy in line with WHO and COP26 priorities.

Supporting the following commitments:

• Commitment 1: Conduct climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments (V&As) at population level and/or health care facility level.

Country experience:

Brazil: Commitment 1
Sri Lanka: Commitment 1
India: Commitment 1