The NHS has a clear responsibility to respond to the health emergency posed by climate change. This response must be embedded into everything the NHS does — now and in the future.
Over the past decade, the NHS has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. However, with NHS emissions currently equivalent to around 4% of England’s total carbon footprint, more ambitious action is required. This includes not only reducing emissions but also strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity in the way care is delivered.
Taking action will generate direct health benefits. Research suggests that up to one-third of new asthma cases could be prevented through emissions reduction efforts. This is because the drivers of climate change are often the same drivers of ill health.
Addressing climate change presents a major opportunity to improve public health and health equity. Meeting the UK’s commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement could:
- Save over 5,700 lives every year through improved air quality
- Save 38,000 lives annually through increased physical activity
- Save more than 100,000 lives each year through healthier diets
Climate action, therefore, is not solely an environmental necessity — it is a public health intervention.
To read more on the NHS’s Green Plan to become net zero by 2030, click here