Climate and health competency framework: a common reference for strengthening competencies across government

This Climate and Health Competency Framework defines the essential competencies needed for climate–health action across ministries, sectors, and functions of government. The framework focuses on what policymakers and practitioners need to know and be able to do, rather than on specific job titles or technical specialisations, so that it can be flexibly applied across different institutional contexts.

It reflects the reality that climate–health work is inherently cross-sectoral, and that many practitioners act as integrators, conveners, and decision-makers, drawing on diverse sources of expertise. By setting out these competencies clearly, the framework aims to help governments strengthen institutional capacity, improve coordination, and make better decisions about climate-related health risks.