Our Health
Our Planet
In the UK, we have 1.6 million health workers, 68 million people who use the health service, and 600 million healthcare interactions every year.
If we work together, the health system can be the key tackling climate change and solving the climate crisis
Learn how to play your part below:
Healthcare Professionals
How will the climate crisis impact your profession?
General Public and Patients
How might climate change affect your health and what can you do about it?
Disclaimer: Our Health, Our Planet is an information resource only and is not intended to provide or replace medical advice. For medical advice, always reach out to a registered medical professional. We accept no liability for any errors or damages that may arise from the use of this resource.
Help Spread the Climate Conversation!
Download, print off and share the Our Health, Our Planet QR code poster. Spread the word around departments, GP surgeries, waiting rooms, educational centres and more!
What is Climate Change?
Definition: A change in long term weather pattern trends that
typically occur over decades or centuries.
Is it caused by humans? Yes.
Since the industrial revolution in the 1800s, humans have been burning billions of tonnes of coal, oil and gas, known as fossil fuels.
When these are burnt, they release carbon dioxide, which is known as a "greenhouse gas". It acts as a blanket around the Earth, trapping energy from the sun in the atmosphere as heat.
As these gases build up, more energy becomes trapped in the atmosphere, leading to more extreme weather.
Air and water pollution, loss of wildlife, deforestation and waste (such as plastic pollution) all have significant roles in worsening climate change.
Why Is Climate Change a Health Crisis?
Our health depends on the planet being healthy.
Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, storms, floods and droughts are already leading to thousands of deaths every year!
As global temperatures change, we will see diseases move to different areas of the world. We may even see malaria in the UK in the next 10-20 years!
Some health conditions may be caused or made worse by the consequences of climate change and pollution, such as asthma, heart disease and cancers.
You are still at risk from health issues due to climate change even if you are "fit and healthy".
Will My Actions Really Make a Difference?
Yes!! We saw during the COVID-19 pandemic just how powerful communities can be when they come together and make systemic changes to keep each other safe. We can do the same with climate change, but we have to increase our ambition and make changes to our lives now before changes are forced upon us due to climate change.
The highest impact actions that an individual can do are:
1. Switch bank accounts to one that doesn't invest in fossil fuels. This is likely the highest impact action any of us can do.*
2. Switch to a Renewable Energy Supplier/Tariff and make your homes more energy efficient*
3. Adopt a more Plant-Based Diet and eat less meat and dairy
4. More Active and Green Travel. Walk, cycle and use public transport where possible
5. More pre-loved local and low carbon products
6. Speak out. Talk to your local MP about the need for urgent climate action and, when the time comes, consider environmental policy as a key factor in your voting decisions.
7. Start conversations and spread the word, we can make the world move if we all jump together!
*This is not financial advice, it is information that personal finances can have environmental impacts. Always consult a financial advisor or your bank if you have questions about your finances.
