Introduction
The need to act to address the climate emergency is clear and pressing. NHS Grampian, like all sectors of society, needs to accelerate its efforts to cut its greenhouse gas emissions and become environmentally sustainable. The threats to human health from the climate emergency, both in Scotland and globally, are so serious that climate change has been described as “the biggest global health threat of the 21st century”.
Addressing many of the actions needed in response to the climate emergency and the environmental crisis also comes with associated healthcare co-benefits. Improved air quality through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can reduce the total case numbers, severity and prevention of diseases such as asthma, pneumonia, heart attacks and stroke. The correct level of domestic insulation in homes could both improve mental and physical wellbeing, prevent illnesses in addition to reducing energy consumption and associated costs. The correct disposal of medicine and the elimination of pharmaceutical residues/waste from water and waste water systems would prevent altering the natural state of equilibrium of the local biodiversity; limiting the growth of antimicrobial resistant bacteria, one of the most serious threats to our ability to treat illness.
The benefits of tackling climate change are so great, that it has been described as “the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century”.
Published: 26/04/2024 14:43