UKHACC Bulletin August 2022

We were delighted to welcome two new members to the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change in the last month – The Planetary Health Report Card and The Physiological Society.

The PHRC is a student-driven organisation that evaluates health professional schools’ engagement in planetary health and sustainable healthcare. It has grown to encompass 7 countries and over 75 medical schools with a significant UK presence (26 medical schools in 2021, 24 medical schools in 2022). Reports are published annually on World Earth Day including a summary report collating data from all schools. Though initially developed by medical students to evaluate medical schools, the report card is now being adapted for and piloted in nursing and pharmacy training programs, including in the UK, catalysing interprofessional collaboration.

The Physiological Society is Europe’s largest network of physiologists, bringing together over 4000 scientists from over 60 countries who have made significant contributions to knowledge of biological systems and the treatment of disease. The Society is proactively leading on work in climate, including publication of a report on the Climate Emergency: Research Gaps and Policy Priorities published in July this year.

We believe there is great strength in the health community coming together to advocate for change with a consistent message and collaborative approach to taking action to ensure our voice is heard. We welcome membership from organisations representing health professionals and have tailored subscription rates to suit different sized organisations to ensure we are fully representative and accessible to all.  Check the members’ list on our website to see if your organisation is a member of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change.

News

NHS Scotland climate emergency and sustainability strategy: 2022-2026

The Scottish Government has laid out plans for NHS Scotland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on the environment, adapt to climate change and better contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The strategy can be downloaded here.

Health submission to UNFCCC Global Stocktake

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has joined with the World Health Organisation and civil society and academic partners from around the world, on a submission led by the Global Climate and Health Alliance to the August 2022 call for inputs to the UNFCCC Global Stocktake, which is a process to evaluate the progress made in implementing the Paris Agreement. Further details about the submission can be found here.

Have your say

Add your signature: Health professionals call for Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

The international scientific consensus is clear: to protect the health and lives of present and future generations, we need a rapid, equitable phase out of fossil fuels globally. We are working with the Global Climate and Health Alliance and others to call on governments around the world to develop and implement a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, laying out a legally binding global plan to:

1. End expansion of any new fossil fuel infrastructure and production
2. Phase out existing production and use of fossil fuels in a fair and equitable manner
3. Fast-track real solutions and ensure a just transition

Please add your support by signing the letter – both organisational and individual signatures are welcome. The voice of health professionals in calling for phase of fossil fuels to protect lives is critical so please do all you can to promote the letter among your networks and colleagues to increase the number of signatories.

Sign the letter here: https://fossilfueltreaty.org/health-letter

Letter from health to stop the Silvertown Tunnel

The impacts of high air pollution levels in London are significantly impacting on health and health inequalities, with the most deprived populations, including London’s poorest children, being exposed to the highest levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The planned Silvertown Tunnel under the Thames is set to bring increasing levels of traffic into deadly polluted areas in the city, leading to further health harms. Health professionals have voiced their concerns, calling on the London Mayor to stop the project from going ahead and instead focus on developing clean public transport and infrastructure for active travel. Members of the health community living or working in London can take action by adding their signature to the letter and sharing it with colleagues.

CEE Bill – write to your MP

As temperatures were soaring in the UK, a cross-party group of members of the House of Lords spoke out in support of the Climate and Ecology Bill including Liberal Democrat Lord Redesdale (who has introduced the Bill) and Conservative Baroness Hooper. Ahead of the House of Lords debate, youth campaigners called on peers to progress the Bill in order to give them a liveable future.  This proposal for legislation has been developed with world-leading scientists and calls for a carbon budget in line with keeping global temperatures to 1.5C and for the UK to restore nature by 2030. The Bill is now continuing its journey to become law and will be heading to committee stage in the Autumn. Although the Bill is currently in the Lords it is important to keep pressure on MPs to back. Use think link to write to yours today

Get involved

COP27 WHO Pavilion

The World Health Organization is calling for expressions of interest in hosting side events at the Health Pavilion of the COP27 UN Climate Conference, taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 6-18 November 2022. The health pavilion will convene the global health community and its partners with the aim of ensuring health and equity are placed at the centre of climate negotiations. The health pavilion will be located in the blue zone and involve a two week programme of events showcasing evidence, initiatives and solutions to maximise the health benefits of tackling climate change across regions, sectors and communities. Further information on applying to host a side event at the COP27 Health Pavilion is available here. The deadline is 15 September.

Ride For Their Lives

Ride for their Lives (RTFL) 2022 is seeking groups of healthcare providers to organise events in the run up to COP27. Each group should actively travel from one healthcare setting to another. Most events will involve cycling, but walking, running and even paddling are also welcome. The journey can be as short or long as you like. Before, during and after the day you are encouraged to communicate your message to everyone you meet, including the public, colleagues and decision-makers. At the end, participants are encouraged to record a video or audio discussion about what you have learned and the actions you will now take. Highlights of the discussions will appear on an Inspiration Hub and in a narrative report to capture the learning from RTFL2022. Find out more here.

UKHACC is currently planning its own Ride for Their Lives on 13 October, in which health leaders from across our members will join us on a cycle around London, stopping off at different member organisations en route to record short interviews. At the end of the cycle, a seminar involving participants will be hosted by Fiona Godlee.

Walk2COP27

The launch townhall event for Walk2COP27 will take place at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow on 22 September. The hybrid event will involve:

Keynote address on climate change challenges and response in Scotland presented by the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Humza Yousaf

Panel discussion on the climate change challenges and response in Scotland,

Panel discussion on climate change, health services and citizen health in Scotland with:

• Gregor Smith, CMO for Scotland
• India Hamilton, Glasgow University and Scoop
• John Browne, Chairman NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
• Rhiannon Osborne, People’s Health Movement

The townhall meeting will be followed by a walk of health professionals from the College in Glasgow to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, passing by the venue for the COP26 on the Clyde walkway.

Click here to access the full programme and link to registration for the townhall. The website also includes details about how you can organise your own Walk2COP27 event.

Opportunities

Freelance administrator

We are currently seeking a proactive and organised administrator to ensure the efficient and smooth running of our administrative processes, and to manage memberships. The post is freelance, based on two days per week initially. The work will involve maintaining our membership database, mailing lists and communications, responding to queries and processing applications, along with other administrative tasks. Further details are available here.

Healthy Air Campaign secretariat roles

Asthma + Lung UK has recently taken over the secretariat for the Healthy Air Campaign and seeking to expand its work. Applications are currently open for three roles to support this work:

• Campaign Manager (two year, full time)
• Data analyst (two year, full time)
• Campaign assistant (two year, 18 hours per week)

The deadline for applications is 5 September. Further details available here.

Sustainable transformation officer: secondment opportunity

Green Health Wales is seeking three individuals to undertake the role of sustainable transformation officer to drive projects based across three acute hospital sites in Wales with the option of remote working and outreach to primary and community sites. These are fixed-term secondments until March 2023. The closing date is 26 August 2022. https://www.greenhealthwales.co.uk/opportunities

Ocean Visuals open call for photography

The Ocean Visuals open call for photography will create a new evidence-based collection on impactful and diverse ocean and coastal climate imagery – all equitably accessible to the media, non-profit and education sectors. The call for photography is free to enter from 1-15 September. Further details available here: https://climatevisuals.org/oceanvisuals/

Call for abstracts: North South Public Health Conference – Healthy Planet, Healthy People

Abstract submissions from local professionals, practitioners and researchers on work that contributes to the planetary health agenda are currently open for the online North South Public Health Conference – Healthy Planet, Healthy People, taking place on 30 November. Submissions are welcome from across a range of disciplines, from public health and health systems to the environment, food, infrastructure and transport among others. Abstracts for presentations, short oral presentations or digital posters will be considered. Closing date for submissions: 17.00 Friday 16 September 2022. Find out more here

Courses and Events

UKHACC IN CONVERSATION LUNCHTIME SESSIONS

A number of sessions are open for registration in our popular lunchtime sessions. These events are held online from 12.00-13.30 on the dates indicated below. Session involve presentations by leading experts followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

24 August 2022 | Embedding sustainability in governance, structure and culture

Focusing on strategies for embedding sustainability in governance, structure and culture with examples and case studies. The panel includes Richard Smith, Chair UKHACC; Adrian James, President RCPsych; Liz Marder, Treasurer RCPCH. Click here to register

21 September 2022 | The voice of health workers in fossil fuel phase out

Highlighting the important role of health professionals in leading calls for a rapid phase out fossil fuels and just transition to renewables. The panel includes Marina Romanello, Lancet Countdown; Shweta Narayam, Healthcare Without Harm. Click here to register.

19 October 2022 | Reducing the carbon footprint of end of life care

This lunchtime session will discuss the carbon footprint of end of life care and why a systems approach to sustainability is needed. The panel includes Richard Smith, Chair UKHACC; Max Watson, ECHO Programme Director; Jane Blazeby, University of Bristol. Click here to register.

24 August 2022 | Embedding sustainability in governance, structure and culture

Focusing on strategies for embedding sustainability in governance, structure and culture with examples and case studies. The panel includes Richard Smith, Chair UKHACC; Adrian James, President RCPsych; Liz Marder, Treasurer RCPCH. Click here to register

14 December 2022 | How the health community can lead in the transition to more sustainable diets

What role do health professionals play in the transition to more sustainable diets, with case studies and survey outcomes. The panel includes Laura Freeman and Shireen Kassam, Plant-Based Health Professionals; Kristin Bash, Faculty of Public Health; Laura-Jane Freeman, King’s College Hospital. Registration opening soon.

18 January 2023 | Progress towards a net zero health service in the UK

Health leaders from the England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will provide an update on current plans and progress towards delivering a net zero health service. The panel includes Marc Davies, Public Health Wales; Gregor Smith, CMO Scotland; Nick Watts, Greener NHS England. Registration opening soon.

Royal Academy Summer exhibition

This weekend is the last few days of the Royal Academy summer exhibition, which is on the theme of ‘Climate’. Check it out before its over!

Faculty of Public Health Climate and Health Conference

22 September | online

Conference involving international speakers and abstract presentations from public health professionals in the UK. Agenda to be confirmed. Book here.

Sustainability Nursing Conference: Making greener nursing and midwifery practice a reality

11 October | 9.15-15.30 (online, free, 6 CPD)

Joint Royal College of Nursing and NHS conference building on the aspirations of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on raising awareness of the impact of care provision on greenhouse gas emissions and exploring opportunities the challenge presents to improve health and care services. Book here

President’s Conference: Sustainability in Healthcare

16 November | 9.00-17.00 (hybrid, 6 CPD)

An in-depth look at sustainability in healthcare and the impact of climate change on health and healthcare delivery with informative, thought provoking discussions, international perspectives and ideas to take forward on a personal and institutional level. Book here

Healthy Planet, Healthy People, Joint Public Health Conference

30 November | 10.00-16.00 (online)

The 2022 Joint North South Public Health Conference will focus on how the global climate crisis is impacting on health. Speakers include Sir Patrick Vallance, Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government; Dr Maria Neira, World Health Organisation; Nick Watts, Chief Sustainability Officer, NHS England; Professor John Barry, Queen’s University Belfast; and Dr Jenny Mack, Institute of Public Health. Book here.

Environmentally sustainable healthcare programme

The ESH programme was developed with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and NHS HEE Faculty of Sustainable Healthcare to provide the healthcare workforce with the knowledge and skills to deliver healthcare for financial, social and environmental sustainability. The programme incorporates three sessions (each about 30 minutes to complete) and is free to access for all UK health professionals. Find out more here.

Centre for Sustainable Healthcare Courses

The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare offers a number of opportunities for learning through short courses, foundation-level courses, and technical courses including carbon footprinting for healthcare, sustainability in quality improvement and teaching sustainable quality improvement. Please check out the website to see what’s available.

New resources

Green opportunities Spring/Summer

Green Opportunities is a new e-briefing from the Health and Sustainability Hub at Public Health Wales. These quarterly updates will capture learning to aid Wales’ green recovery from Covid-19, identifying sustainable solutions to support population health. English and Welsh versions can be downloaded here: https://phwwhocc.co.uk/resources/green-opportunities-spring-summer-2022/

The Green Edge Podcast

The Green Edge podcast provides weekly updates and occasional special audio posts. This week’s podcast focuses on UK100s recently published Local Net Zero delivery Reports. Sign up here: https://greenedge.substack.com/

Reports, articles and videos

We’ve pulled together a list of recent reports, articles and videos that are worth reading, watching and sharing.

A global collective of young health leaders have published an open letter in Nature calling on G7 and G20 leaders to act on commitments made and to strengthen global governance to address the three interconnected challenges of our time: the Covid-19 pandemic, antimicrobial resistance and the climate crisis.

In July, the All Party Political Climate Change Group hosted a briefing for MPs on the latest evidence related to the threat of climate change and the urgent need for action. We’ve created a playlist of short clips from the experts who presented at the briefing.

Zero Hour’s report – ‘Net Zero: The Ambition Gap’ – sets out the key areas where the government’s net zero strategy falls short, referring to the relevant science. The report is brief, visual and links to well-explained articles on key science.

Carbon brief has mapped how climate change affects extreme weather around the world. The report includes an interactive map illustrating different types of extreme weather, colour coded to indicate whether research shows a link to human-caused climate change

Climate Outreach has published the outcomes of research into how to engage older people on climate change, identifying narrative themes that worked well and not so well in getting interest and engagement.

New research has warned that the arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the world, and is now on average around 3C warmer than it was in 1980. The research is reported in this article in The Conversation.

Please share

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If you’ve got information about resources, campaigns, or events you would like to be included in the next edition, please send them to elaine.mulcahy@ukhealthalliance.org . The next bulletin will be published on 16 September 2022.