On 23rd February I attended a meeting at Clarence House organised by The Climate and Health Council and hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales' International Sustainability Unit (ISU) to discuss the role of UK health professionals in addressing climate change and health. Round the table were representatives of the ISU, presidents of most of the Royal Colleges and senior representation from others. After presentations on the urgency to act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions there was very constructive discussion on how healthcare professionals might best be involved.
There is a consensus amongst those working to promote human health that urgent action is needed to address climate change. This was clearly demonstrated at the recent World Health Organisation conference on health and climate change, at which ministers of health and delegates from all regions of the world concluded that climate change was a defining issue of the 21st century. It is also recognised that health professionals have a vital role to play in raising awareness of the threat that climate change poses to health and of the need for concerted action.
In response to this need for health sector activity to address climate change, The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the British Medical Association and the Climate and Health Council have come together to lead the creation of an alliance of health professional bodies to address climate change and health. The meeting on 23rd February provided, amongst other things, an opportunity to comment on this proposal and to discuss how it might be taken forward.
The following day, Prince Charles added his voice to the importance of health messages to lend urgency to address climate change which was on the front page of The Evening Standard.
Prince Charles calls for action to 'protect the health of our planet, protect our health': http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/prince-charles-we-must-treat-our-planet-like-a-sick-patient-10069638.html
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