UKHSA and NHS England have been commissioned by Defra to jointly provide Government with a Fourth Health and Climate Adaptation Report. The report will summarise the latest available evidence relating to climate impacts to the health service and population health, and outline actions being taken by various actors to build resilience to these risks. The findings will inform the forthcoming fourth Climate Change Risk Assessment.
Climate change threatens the health of the population and the ability of the NHS to deliver services in both the near future and longer term. The effects of more frequent and severe floods and heatwaves, and worsening air pollution are among the impacts that are already being experienced. For example, it is estimated the record-breaking temperatures in England in 2022 contributed to excess mortality of 2,803.
The last three decades across England have been progressively hotter. 2023 was the second warmest year on record – after a record-breaking 2022. All areas in England have experienced warmer summers and milder winters, consistent with global trends. These rapidly rising global temperatures, currently 1.09°C above pre-industrial levels, will continue to negatively affect population health in England.
Input to this call for evidence from stakeholders across the health sector is encouraged. This includes those working in NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Boards, primary care, Health and Wellbeing Boards, and the Public Health system.
The Fourth Health and Climate Adaptation Report will:
• Provide any new information on or updates to risks and actions from the previous reporting round*
• Assess progress towards completing previous actions, and detail how progress is being measured
• Identify any new actions required to tackle climate risk in the health sector
• Include any case studies which demonstrate climate impacts and/or good adaptation practices.
Climate change is already here. There is a clear and immediate need for the health sector to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero, and to adapt to the impacts of climate change that can’t be avoided, building resilience into the system as it protects and promotes the health of populations now and in the future.
How to take part
Complete the online survey to respond to this call for evidence or email responses to [email protected]. Case studies are also invited. The call for evidence closes at 11.59pm on September 27, 2024.
