The French Academy of Medicine press release on climate and health in the Mediterranean environment
February 12, 2026
On Thursday 29 January 2026, the French Academy of Medicine organized an international seminar on the impacts of climate change on health, particularly in the Mediterranean region. The seminar was conducted with the support of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and included participants from Southern Europe and the Maghreb. Given the importance of the information exchanged during the day, the French Academy of Medicine would like to share the main conclusions. The Mediterranean and its surroundings are undoubtedly the most affected region by the triple environmental crisis: climate change (excessive heat, drought, extreme conditions, spread of infectious agents), biodiversity loss (the maritime biomass is shrinking significantly) and pollution (pollution by
hydrocarbons and plastics). As an illustration, 60% of the world’s populations suffering from a lack of water live in the Mediterranean area. What occurs in this region, foreshadows what might happen in other parts of the world. As far as climate change is concerned, the efforts made following the Paris Agreement, while commendable, seem to be insufficient to avoid worrying scenarios. The envisaged impacts, many of which are already present, concern both human health and health of ecosystems, reflecting the integrated perspective of ‘One Health’.
The French Academy of Medicine calls for an accelerated effort to avoid a worsening of climate imbalances. The measures taken to limit greenhouse gases will spare future generations extremely difficult living conditions. This is therefore an intergenerational ethical responsibility. Moreover, these measures will lead to other benefits, particularly in terms of air and food quality, which will have a rapid impact on populations health. Lastly, the return on investment from prevention measures is considerable, particularly if one considers the working conditions in extreme situations.
Because the Mediterranean area is particularly vulnerable, coordination at the regional level is necessary. It must be based on science and health and must be carried out in conditions of solidarity, sharing of knowledge and climate change mitigation and adaptation tools.
The French National Academy of Medicine notes the absence of a major French research program on climate and health, and more generally, on environmental factors and health.It calls for the rapid launch of a national program, and advocates for a large-scale program at the European level.
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Bull Acad Natl Med 2025;209:pp-pp. [En ligne] Disponible sur : URL
