Green NHS Campaign

DAUK is actively campaigning for a greener NHS because the climate crisis and health crisis are interlinked. We are working with Zero Hour to address the health hazards caused by climate change and to combat climate inaction in the political sphere.

Of all the issues DAUK campaigns for, the climate crisis is the most existential. If we fail to tackle climate change, the thousands of cases of heat-related illnesses, sickness from air pollution, malnourishment due to food shortages, and the spread of previously tropical communicable diseases will lead to the collapse of the health system as we know it.

Extreme weather events cause infrastructure damage, force people into poverty, and displace millions globally. Climate change is catastrophic for health.

It is, therefore, our duty as doctors to speak out and advocate for a safe, sustainable, and liveable future for all.

DAUK is proud to be one of the first health organisations to support the Climate and Ecology Bill, introduced by Caroline Lucas MP as a private member’s bill in September 2020.

The bill was written with input from world-leading scientists to tackle the full extent of the climate and nature crisis in line with current science. Its purpose is to ensure the UK takes full responsibility for its part in limiting global warming to below 1.5 °C and reversing the destruction of nature within its borders and globally, with public involvement through a Climate and Nature Assembly, ensuring a fair and transformative change.

With temperatures soaring, it is now critical that we bring emissions under control in line with the 1.5 °C target and restore nature to help us adapt to the impacts of climate change. Will you write to your MP and urge them to back the Climate and Ecology Bill and show your support by signing up as a supporter?

This year, the UK experienced extreme heat and weather conditions that could cause heat-related injuries. Healthcare workers have had to work in understaffed wards and GP surgeries where heat has been a major issue. Our Sustainability Lead, Dr Matthew Lee, says: “Whilst such extreme heat may come as a surprise to many, we have had years of scientific research warning this would be inevitable if significant climate action was not taken. Healthcare workers already under significant strain are now having to work in clinical areas that simply are not adapted to such conditions.

The heat is causing issues with commutes to work due to infrastructure damage; staff are becoming quickly fatigued and dehydrated due to the heat, and there are significant challenges in keeping patients cool. Unfortunately, if the burning of fossil fuels continues, this is likely to be a recurring issue year on year, and we may well face annual summer crises as well as winter ones. Urgent action needs to be taken to stop the burning of fossil fuels and decarbonise rapidly for the sake of our health and lives.