The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow welcomed the Cabinet Secretary’s statement at today’s (10 November) NHS Scotland Sustainability Conference, specifically, the commitment to helping the NHS cut emissions and create a more environmentally and socially sustainable health service.
The College also supported the Secretary of State’s update regarding the UK’s four health services joining to commit to net zero carbon emissions and climate resilient health systems, as part of the UK COP26 Presidency’s Health Programme.
President of the College, Professor Jackie Taylor, commented:
“The healthcare sector isn’t one which necessarily springs to mind when people think of the climate crisis but there is a need to better understand how decisive action to tackle climate change can translate into improved population health and wellbeing.
“The impact of health systems and services on climate change is not exclusive to the UK, it is a global problem that needs collaborative action across nations. By working together and focusing investment in a healthier and cleaner future, we can produce new jobs, cleaner air, better diets and more active societies and simultaneously help alleviate many of the significant pressures faced by our healthcare workers.”