The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) has published a new report which calls on the Government to address the significant health impacts of the climate emergency by changing and improving the country’s energy system.
A just energy transition for the good of health outlines the harmful consequences of the UK’s dependency on fossil fuels. It also puts forward several recommendations which would support the delivery of a cleaner energy system and promote good health.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists helped produce the report, alongside the Faculty of Public Health, Planetary Health Report Card, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of Physicians, and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said:
"Climate change, ecological degradation and biodiversity loss have created a public health crisis, with far reaching consequences for people’s mental and physical health. Climate-related impacts like air pollution, fuel poverty, flooding, heatwaves and droughts can worsen existing mental health conditions or cause new ones to emerge. They can also result in separation from community networks, damage to health and social care infrastructure, and poor access to nature.
“This report provides an opportunity for decision makers to take the necessary action to address the climate and ecological crisis and improve health outcomes for current and future generations, both in the UK and internationally. We support UKHACC’s report and call on Government to heed the recommendations to end fossil dependency, invest in green jobs and enable a sustainable health service.
“A greener healthcare system would support services to deliver increased social prescribing, including the use of our natural environment to improve health, and empower service users and staff. We know community-based interventions improve patient outcomes and satisfaction which is why it’s vital more progress is made in this area.”
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