The neglected health dimension of climate change in the UK

"Every century has its own public health challenges - climate change is our century’s challenge," said Dr Margaret Chan, Director General WHO

“There is no doubt that climate change poses a wide range of challenges to public health in the UK ... from increased risks of heatwaves through to potentially greater exposure to air pollution, and potential changes to pollen seasons, there are many issues all of which need further research and attention if we are to adapt to, or mitigate the effects," pointed out Dr David Heymann, Chairman of the Health Protection Agency.

Using new models, and taking population changes into account, the report predicts that by the 2080s there may be on average more than 12,000 heat related deaths a year in the UK – compared to about 2,000 a year now.

The main public health related findings of the study are the followings:

Premature deaths and respiratory hospital admissions related to ozone exposure may increase as a result of climate change.
The warmer climate will mean that the UK pollen season may start earlier and last longer.
Climate change may lead to increased risks to health from building overheating, and biological and chemical contamination indoors.
Populations of exotic mosquitoes, which could spread chikungunya and dengue fever, are establishing in Europe - the chances of these mosquitoes establishing in the UK will increase with changing climatic conditions.

EPHA considers climate change as a serious risk to human health.

As Dr. Margaret Chan, stressed in a video messages about climate change and its effect on human health: "The reality of Climate change can no longer be doubted ... climate change can affect health problems which are largely serious and mostly concentrated in developing world and difficult to combat."

EPHA remains keen to raise awareness about the predicted negative public health effects of climate change, keeping up its efforts to make visible for decision-makers the all-too-often forgotten health dimension of the global warming.

EPHA - as member of the Health & Environment Alliance (HEAL) - is determined to contribute to the environmental health community’ efforts by stressing and voicing the concerns of the public health society.

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