Bangladesh Post Desk
The Lancet Commission on Sea-Level Rise, Health and Justice was announced in a Lancet Comment on 8 April 2026, bringing together leading experts from around the world to address the growing health impacts of sea-level rise.
Sea-level rise poses an urgent and escalating threat to health and wellbeing, equity, global ecosystems and planetary health, with disproportionate impacts on coastal and low-lying communities. This Commission is the first to examine these intersecting challenges through a health lens.
Driven by anthropogenic climate change, rising sea levels are already contributing to displacement, food and water insecurity, and changing patterns of infectious disease, while threatening the sustainability of human cultures, settlements and economies.
The Commission is convened with support from the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (WHO ACE) with the aim to generate evidence-based, science-led policy recommendations to mitigate health risks, strengthen adaptation and resilience, and ensure equitable and ethical responses to sea-level rise.
It brings together 26 Commissioners, including its Co-Chairs, from across disciplines and regions, combining scientific expertise with policy insight, community perspectives and diverse knowledge systems.
Prof. Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Executive Director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, is among the appointed Commissioners, contributing expertise in global health, humanitarian response, and planetary health. The Commission will contribute to global dialogue and decision-making processes, including engagement at key international platforms.
The new Lancet Comment will be published online at 06:30 MYT (GMT+8) on 8 April, with the print version appearing in the 11 April issue. In addition, print copies will be distributed during UNFCCC week in South Korea beginning 20 April.
Prof. Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Comissioner, Lancet Commission, Executive Director, passing her comments, said the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Sunway University “Rising seas don't just threaten coastlines, they threaten lives, livelihoods, and basic fairness. This is not only a climate problem. It is a health crisis, a justice crisis, and an urgent call for collective action”
Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific said “This Commission will, I fervently hope, re-centre international attention and facilitate cooperation, applying the best science and expertise to improve lives through a global and powerful platform. These impacts are 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia not just environmental they are deeply human, touching every aspect of life from mental health to economic survival, And they demand a response that is as interconnected and inclusive as the challenges themselves. That is why this Commission matters so profoundly. Let this Commission help the world understand so we may protect what matters most.”
Christiana Figueres, Former Executive Secretary, UNFCCC; Co-Chair, Lancet Commission on sea-level rise, health, and justice opined that “this commission comes at exactly the right time, as we all know, sea-level rise is no longer a distant threat. It is already disrupting lives, health and wellbeing, especially for the most vulnerable. By the end of this century, hundreds of millions of people could be displaced; facing floods, food insecurity and disease. The cost of inaction is staggering, but so too is the opportunity. What makes this Commission unique, is that we are putting human and planetary health at the very center of our work. Our work will integrate the best science, with justice and equity while uplifting the voices of those on the frontlines.”
Kathryn Bowen, Deputy Director, Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne; Co-Chair, Lancet Commission on sea-level rise, health, and justice pointed out that “Rising sea levels are more than an environmental issue; they quietly contaminate water, displace communities, and increase health risks for those least able to cope. Every centimetre of sea level rise is not just a measure of water, but a measure of injustice - hitting hardest those who contributed least to the climate crisis.”
Jiho Cha, Member of Parliament, Republic of Korea; Co-Chair, Lancet Commission on sea-level rise, health, and justice said “Sea-level rise is not just an environmental issue — it is a test of our commitment to people, equity, and future generations. As a Member of Parliament, I see this as a defining policy challenge of our time. This Commission brings the science and leadership needed to act with urgency and fairness.”
Dr Sandro Demaio, Director, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health mentioned that “Sea-level rise is no longer a distant threat — it is a public health emergency unfolding now. Through this WHO supported global Commission, we are clear: inaction is not neutral, it is a choice that puts lives and justice at risk.”
