UKHACC Bulletin December 2024

As the year comes to an end, we would like to share that 2024 has been a fantastic year for UKHACC marked by impactful advocacy and critical publications with a strong focus on integrating health into climate action. 

UKHACC published two major policy reports this year: A Just Energy Transition for the Good of Health, which emphasises the devastating health impacts of fossil fuel dependency and provides actionable recommendations for a cleaner, healthier future and Plant-Powered Planet, which outlines strategies to build a healthy and sustainable food system. UKHACC also developed the 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change UK policy brief that identified 3 key health priorities for climate action. UKHACC actively responded to policy consultations and engaged with politicians through letters and roundtables. We collaborated with international organisations and campaigned around key global events such as the World Health Assembly, COP16 and COP29 to prioritise health in climate and nature discussions.

Thank you to everyone who supports our work, reads the newsletters and gives us feedback (We really enjoy reading them!).

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News and updates

UKHACC’s submission to the 10-year NHS consultation

UKHACC’s response to NHS England’s consultation on the 10-Year Health Plan, emphasises the necessity of embedding sustainability across the health and care system. UKHACC advocates for integrating environmental targets into NHS accountability frameworks, ensuring the health service is resilient to climate-related challenges, and securing capital investment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. 

Letter to the Scottish Government on reinstating the ban on wood-burning stoves

Last month, the UKHACC wrote a letter to the Local Government, Planning and Housing Committee of the Scottish Government calling on them to reconsider its decision to halt the ban on wood-burning stoves, multi-fuel stoves and pellet stoves in urban new builds in Scotland. This call emphasises the significant health risks associated with particulate matter emissions from domestic wood burning, which contribute to air pollution and respiratory issues.

The Minister for Nature responded to UKHACC’s letterThe Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, has responded to UKHACC’s letter dated October 2024, urging the UK government to establish clear timelines for delivering the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and to reaffirm its pledge of £3 billion in climate finance for nature by 2026. In her response, the Minister outlined ongoing efforts to address the critical issues of biodiversity loss and climate adaptation.

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Have your say

Add your name to a letter to support the Climate and Nature Bill

The Climate and Nature Bill is set for its pivotal Second Reading debate on 24 January. Ahead of this critical vote, Zero Hour UK is inviting individuals and organisations to add their names to a letter urging the Prime Minister and UK Government to support the Bill’s passage. Please review the letter and submit your support via this short form by 17 December. 

Sign the petition: Ban fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship

The climate crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our time, and we must tackle it at its root. A new petition calls on the Parliament to ban fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships, similar to existing bans on tobacco advertising. By signing, you’ll help push for this critical step towards reducing harmful environmental impacts and holding polluters accountable. Sign the petition here.

Sign the petition: Run a public information campaign on the climate crisis

The climate crisis is an unprecedented global threat, yet public understanding often falls short of the urgency needed to act. A new petition calls on the government to run a comprehensive public information campaign to communicate the science behind the crisis, the implications of surpassing 1.5°C warming, and the actions required globally, nationally, locally, and individually. By signing, you can advocate for clearer communication to prepare and unite us in tackling this pressing issue. Sign the petition here.

Sign the petition: Have your say in the UK’s oil & gas decision – No New Drilling!

This is our chance to stop new oil and gas drilling in the UK for good. The government has paused approvals for new oil fields and is asking the public for input on how to regulate drilling. This consultation could shape the future of billions of barrels of North Sea oil and gas—and the catastrophic climate impacts they could cause. By making our voices heard, we can push for an end to new fossil fuel projects, stop developments like Rosebank, and accelerate a just transition to clean energy. Sign the petition here.

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Opportunities/Get involved

Join the Global Healthy Hospital Food (HHF) Network

Hospitals are centres of health and healing and their food services should reflect this mission. The HHF Network is dedicated to transforming hospital food systems worldwide, promoting health and sustainability. By prioritising fresh, locally sourced, plant-based meals, the aim is to benefit patients, staff, and visitors alike. Join to connect with like-minded professionals and access practical tools to drive change.

Call for Submissions: The Climate Crisis is a Public Health Crisis

Perspectives in Public Health invites contributions for a special issue exploring the intersections of climate change and public health. They welcome original research, reviews, short reports, current topics, opinions, and practice-based features addressing impacts, mitigation, adaptation strategies, and opportunities. Special consideration will be given to submissions from individuals in regions most directly affected by climate change. Find out more here.

Participate in the newly launched Greener Palliative Care Award

The Greener Palliative Care Award supports palliative care teams on their sustainability journey. Open to NHS and charitable organisations, the Award offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, assessed through emissions tracking, reduction plans, and engagement with staff, service users, and volunteers. Designed by a multi-professional group, it provides a clear, evidence-based structure for greener practices. A pilot program will select 10 organisations to lead the way. Express your interest here.

NIHR funding opportunity: Decarbonising the health and social care system

The National Institute for Health and Care Research is looking to fund research into decarbonising the health and social care system. This is a two-stage, commissioned funding opportunity. The deadline is 26 March 2025. More information is available here. 

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Events & Courses

EVENTS

17 December | Online 

COP29 and Health: What happened? What did it mean? Where do we go from here?

Join the Global Climate and Health Alliance for a deep dive into the outcomes of COP29, including policy outcomes across different negotiation streams, and their implications for health. Register here.

29 January | Online

Ultra Processed Food: A threat to human and planetary health 

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Glasgow is organising this webinar to share the latest updates and potential solutions to the impact of ultra-processed food on planetary and human health. Register here. 

COURSES

CPDMatch: Climate change education for the healthcare industry

CPDmatch is a not-for-profit website for healthcare professionals, employing organisations and supplier industries to find the educational resources required to deliver net zero sustainable healthcare and become confident in communicating and inspiring others to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. More information is available here.

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New resources

New Guideline: Safe, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities

This new publication by the World Health Organization provides policymakers, health administrators, facility managers and health practitioners with guidance on what is needed to develop safe, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities to provide quality care and withstand environmental crises. As the global environmental crises – including climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss – worsen, health systems and facilities must urgently respond to avoid being overwhelmed by the growing challenges and disruptions.

New Report: Raising the Healthiest Generation in History – Why it Matters Where Children and Young People Live

The TCPA has developed this report in collaboration with Playing Out, Fields in Trust, Tim Gill, and Dinah Bornat. This resource draws on a rich evidence base to provide actionable recommendations for the UK government ministers and departments, with a focus on creating environments where children can thrive. It highlights seven critical themes, including the rights of the child, planning systems, play, green spaces, and healthy homes, while also showcasing case studies that bring these issues to life. By addressing the way our streets, neighbourhoods, and homes are designed, this report aims to inspire policy change and foster healthier, more equitable spaces for young people to grow.

New report: The Impact of Social Prescribing on Health Service Use and Costs – Examples of Local Evaluations in Practice

This new report by the National Academy for Social Prescribing suggests that there is strong and growing evidence that social prescribing services can lead to substantial reductions in avoidable GP appointments, hospital admissions and A&E attendance.  

New report: Practical Guide to Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems 

Published by Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe, this new resource aims to bolster healthcare systems against the growing challenges of climate change and serves as a vital roadmap for integrating climate resilience into healthcare planning. It outlines actionable steps to ensure healthcare systems can adapt and continue protecting the health and well-being of communities across Europe.

New report: Policy pathway to reduce air pollution by phasing out domestic burning by 2030

Global Action Plan has published a report outlining a policy pathway to eliminate domestic burning of wood and solid fuels by 2030. The report identifies five critical barriers to effective policy implementation and has recommendations for addressing these challenges to reduce air pollution and protect public health.

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Articles, podcasts and videos

We’ve pulled together a list of recent articles, podcasts and videos worth reading, watching, listening and sharing.

• Read this case study on how the RCP’s Green Physician toolkit was developed.
• The BMJ has made history as the first major publication globally to declare it will no longer accept advertisements from banks that finance fossil fuels.
• Read this article on implementing the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health adopted at COP16.
• COP29 was disappointing, read this article explaining why.
• Outrage + Optimism is a fantastic podcast providing expert insights into all things climate change.
• Read this to learn what the best and worst meat replacements for your health, your wallet and the planet are.

Please share

Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested. Anyone can sign up to receive this newsletter by clicking this link: https://action.ukhealthalliance.org/page/69209/subscribe/1

If you’ve got information about resources, campaigns, or events you would like to be included in the next edition, please send them to anandita.pattnaik@ukhealthalliance.org. The next bulletin will be published on 17 January 2025.