Leaders have a ‘moral responsibility’ to protect public health

The BMA has said that the health of the global population and future generations will be at stake if world leaders fail to properly address the issue of climate change.

As the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) kicks off, the association is warning of the impact climate change is having on public health, as well as the impact on the NHS itself.

The World Health Organisation estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will be responsible for around 250,000 additional deaths a year – something the BMA believes must be avoided.

Professor Dame Parveen Kumar, BMA board of science chair, said: “The impact that climate change is already having on global population health is incredibly worrying, but to know it could get worse without decisive action is truly terrifying. Doctors in the UK are now seeing patients suffering with the effects that climate change is having on their health, and it’s devastating because this is totally avoidable – particularly the impact it can have on children’s health and those living in urbanised areas.

“The BMA has been committed to doing its bit to help tackle climate change; last year, we published two reports looking into making the NHS greener and more sustainable, as well as taking steps to make our own premises more eco-friendly - but we’re never going to see the change that’s needed without global collaboration. World leaders have a moral responsibility to protect public health, which is why they must take COP26 and the promises they make there, seriously. If they don’t, the consequences are simple: the health of the global population and future generations will be at stake.”