11 things to know about the Health Effects of Climate Change report

11 things to know about the Health Effects of Climate Change report

Climate change poses a dual threat to lives and livelihoods in the UK, impacting both the environment and our health. Its consequences manifest on multiple levels, from direct effects on temperature and flooding, to impacts on air quality, food and water availability; with the most vulnerable populations likely to be worst affected both domestically and worldwide.

Addressing the impacts of climate change is a central priority in health protection, informing our response to current and future health risks as well as emerging challenges, such as wildfires, droughts, antimicrobial resistance, and future pandemics.

The recently released Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK (HECC) report, compiled by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), highlights the important intersections between climate change and health, setting out the most up-to-date evidence on risks to health from climate change in the UK. Since the last evidence summary in 2012, there has been substantial growth in evidence, and a significant escalation in these health risks.