Today UKHACC has launched a policy report on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Health that establishes the links between climate and ecological crises and how they impact human health.
Along with several other Royal Colleges including the Royal College of GPs, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal College of Nursing, and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Psychiatrists is endorsing the report.
The report describes the impacts of biodiversity loss on land and oceans for human health and puts forward recommendations to reduce biodiversity loss, restore nature, and achieve climate goals for the benefit of health.
Jacob Krzanowski, Sustainability Lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“We welcome this report and its clear acknowledgement of the impact that the environment, including blue and green spaces, has on mental and physical health. The adoption of its recommendations is essential in creating sustainable mental health care that is nature friendly, which will have a significant impact on people’s lives.
“Knowing the importance of nature for wellbeing, our members have been working tirelessly to sound the alarm and move towards a sustainable model of healthcare. The clear connection between climate change and ecological decline means that biodiversity loss and pollution disproportionately impact the health of vulnerable people. This is especially true for people with mental illness, exacerbating existing inequalities. Within this report there is a critical message: to restore, protect, and ultimately celebrate the incredible ecosystems that humanity depends on.
“It is clear that climate change and the decline in nature pose a threat to the long-term health of the nation, and with focused, collective action over the next decade, we can protect the healthcare system.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: press@rcpsych.ac.uk
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