The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has published an evidence-based policy report: Building a Climate-Resilient Health System in the UK
The report highlights how the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events, such as heatwaves, floods, and new disease patterns, are already disrupting healthcare services across the UK. Almost half of healthcare workers say they have experienced such disruption in the last five years.
Despite the health sector’s strong focus on cutting emissions (mitigation), climate adaptation is lagging behind. This report sets out strategic actions to urgently strengthen the resilience of the UK health system so it can continue to protect people’s health under changing climate conditions.
The report draws on the WHO health system building blocks and identifies concrete actions for the UK and devolved governments, the NHS, public health bodies, and local authorities.
Recommendations
For the governments of the UK:
- Provide Sustainable Funding
- Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure
- Enhance Workforce Preparedness
- Promote Public Health Resilience
- Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Integrate Climate Adaptation into Health Policies
- Strengthen research on climate adaptation
