Sustainable Development
The human race is facing a threat that is perhaps unparalleled in its history – the effects of climate change brought about by harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
Without drastic measures to significantly reduce emissions, our fundamental means of existence will be at serious risk. Taking action on climate change should therefore be a public health priority.
And the health and healthcare community can and must lead the change to a healthier, sustainable, low-carbon future.
A joint stand for collective action
22 January 2008
To this end the FPH and 18 other organisations have issued a joint statement: It's Time to Act on Climate Change [pdf].
This has been sent to to all UK primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and acute trusts asking them to prioritise action on climate change, particularly as this will also have a positive impact on other major public health challenges such as obesity and inequalities.
www.theclimateconnection.org is a resource for the public health community, enabling sharing of knowledge, experience and ideas on climate change and health. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to establish a presence on the site, to upload relevant events and resources and share their experience and thinking on action for climate change in public health.
Faculty publications
- Sustaining a Healthy Future - taking action on climate change Read more about this publication
Special focus on the NHS - Take action on active travel
Sustainable Development and Health: Key policy documents
- The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (2007)
- Background information and updates on the progress of the UK Government's Draft Climate Change Bill
- Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (2006)
- The UK Climate Change Programme (2006)
- Taking the Temperature – Towards an NHS Response to Global Warming (2007)
- Climates and Change – the Urgent Need to Connect Health and Sustainable Development (2007) [pdf]
- Sustainable Development: Environmental Strategy for the National Health Service (2005)
- Building Health: Creating and Enhancing Places for Healthy, Active Lives (2007)
- The Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK (2001)
An updated version is due to be published soon.
Sustainable Development Network Group
The Sustainable Development network groups provides a forum for debate and the opportunity to share knowledge and insight into the whole sustainable development agenda. Register with the Network Groups now.
Manifesto
The Faculty is a signatory to the "Warwick Manifesto", the start of a potentially influential network of organisations and individuals committed to increasing the aknowledgement of sustainable development as crucial to health. Read the Manifesto
