It has now been over a year since the Paris agreement which aimed to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change. Although this agreement was a positive step and has now been ratified by 173 countries (including the United Kingdom), public health must continue to take an increasing leadership role around environmental sustainability. This was the clear message at an event hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change.
The event brought together representatives from across sectors, including members of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH), to discuss the release of the Lancet Countdown report. The report tracks progress on health and climate change and highlights concern over the delayed response to climate change over the past 25 years. The panel discussed a wide range of public health opportunities for public health action including women’s rights around family planning, healthier agricultural policies and implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
FPH has shown its commitment through the development of the Sustainable Development Special Interest Group and by continuing to embed climate change/sustainability into the training of public health consultants. As individuals, you can consider your own personal opportunities to reduce your impact such as changing to a renewable energy provider, selecting a greener diet or choosing ethical/financial institutions for your banking. Professionally, it is important for us to consider the opportunities for environmental sustainability (and the positive health benefits!) throughout our practice. The FPH Sustainable Development Special Interest Group exists as a forum to promote and coordinate actions to support sustainable development. If you are interested in joining us, please contact the chair at jeremywight73@gmail.com.
