Climate change is changing our world at a rate which increases every year. It is predicted that up to 35% of animal and plant species may be doomed to extinction by 2050. The proportion of the planet which man can inhabit is shrinking. The predictions are frightening; perhaps too frightening for individuals and governments to face up to them. GPs are already seeing, in a small way, the effects of climate change. The challenge to GPs is not just clinical; if they are to fulfil their duty to their patients, they will have to take on a wider role as advocates and activists.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Carbon Trust. Carbon Calculator, Business Support Including Loans for Energy-Efficient Equipment, Carbon Trust Standard Accessed via www.carbontrust.co.uk.
2.
Climate Action Network. European Network Working at Policy Level Accessed via www.climnet.org.
3.
Directgov, the UK government information site, has a carbon calculator and advice. Go to www.direct.gov.uk and follow the links.
4.
ECA Energy Technology. Equipment Qualifying for a Subsidy and Gives Information About Claiming Accessed via www.eca.gov.uk/lists.
5.
Energy Saving TrustCarbon Calculator, Recommendations and Links to Free Independent Advice for Organisations and Individuals e.g. Those in Fuel Poverty Accessed via www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.
6.
Global Responses to Global Threats: Sustainable Security for the 21st Century by Chris Abbott, Paul Rogers, and John Sloboda (2006) Oxford Research Group: ISBN 0-9552846-0-0.
7.
NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA)www.pasa.nhs.uk provides advice on value for money in purchasing and supply, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
The Department of Health is Linking Projects on Health and Physical Activity in its Change4Life Campaign Accessed via www.nhs.uk/Change4Life.
11.
The Records of the Royal College of Physicians's 29/01/2008 Conference ‘Climate Change and Its Impact on Health’ Available from www.rpclondon.ac.uk.
12.
Walking the Way to Health, www.whi.org.uk, promotes guided health walks, especially for those not used to regular exercise. Local schemes are listed on the website.
