DoH reports on climate change public health research

The Department of Health (DoH) has announced the publication of an updated report assessing the health effects of climate change in Britain, stating that this research will facilitate improved preparation for any impacts to public health from global warming.

With the main aim of aiding the development of services which are capable of meeting the needs of the UK population in the future, the report also seeks to draw attention to areas requiring further research.

Findings of the report included the predictions of a decline in winter deaths as periods of cold weather become less common, increased risk of cancers from higher exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun and an increase in flooding and tick-borne diseases.

Carline Flint, public health minister, said: “Climate change poses great challenges and it is important to plan ahead for the health consequences.

“Actions are being taken across the UK government and the NHS to reduce emissions contributing to climate change.”

She added that it was vital to adapt the social care and heat infrastructure in the UK to better deal with floods, heatwaves and gales.

In October 2006, the Stern review on the economics of climate change was published, stating there is still time for the world to avoid the harshest impact of climate change through international action and deliberate policy choices.