Senior doctors from around the world have come together to form a new council which will campaign for climate change - and its effects on health - to be tackled.
The International Climate and Health Council is calling for urgent government-led international action to reduce carbon emissions and promote the universal adoption of low carbon sustainable lifestyles.
Founding members include Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, Sir Muir Gray, director of the Campaign for Greener Health Care, Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council at the British Medical Association, and the editors of the BMJ and The Lancet.
Together with colleagues from Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, they believe the UN’s forthcoming Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change represents a significant opportunity to take steps to avoid a global health catastrophe.
“Climate change is already causing major health problems,” said Professor Mike Gill and Dr Robin Stott, co-chairs of the UK Climate and Health Council. “This is the first step towards a global network of health professionals which by speaking out has the potential to protect and improve the health of people in both rich and poor worlds.
“The public places trust in health professionals, and will listen to those who play their part in protecting human health from climate change. This is why health professionals must put their case forcefully now and after Copenhagen. We must give the world’s politicians and policy makers no room for doubt on what action they need to take.”
It coincides with the launch of a series of articles in The Lancet that explore how climate change, and policies to mitigate its effects, will affect the health and lives of populations around the world.
Professor Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics at the BMA, said: “Climate change not only contributes to disease and premature death but exacerbates existing health inequalities in the UK and globally. Today’s research shows that a reduction in emissions will have a positive effect on health in both high and low-income settings, and that lifestyle changes made by all us will have direct health benefits.
“The BMA is disappointed that, so far, health has not figured significantly on the agenda for the Copenhagen summit. We call on world leaders to move towards solutions that benefit both the environment and individuals.”
Tags: Climate change
Well of course these people are all experts in climate science. Why are these people’s opinions worth more than anyone elses simply by virtue of the fact that they have successfully climbed the greasy pole. See http://briandeer.com/mmr/richard-horton.htm
to get some perspective on one of them at least.
And not a word about the scandal from East Anglia which calls into question the whole concept. Read http://wattsupwiththat.com/ and relax