The climate crisis is the biggest health crisis we have ever faced, having been described as a “code red for humanity”. Given both the well-established health consequences of the climate emergency as well as the vulnerability of healthcare services to the threats of climate change itself, health institutions are well placed to advocate for change. […]
Category: Greener Leader
Greener Leader Blog Series: Being a greener leader in maternity care : making one small sustainable change is all it takes. By Angie Willis
Maternity care is the start of life encompassing public health for the mother/birthing person, their growing baby and their immediate support network too. The impacts of global warming, heatwaves, adverse weather events and air pollution all have impacts for fertility, pregnancy, fetal development and child health. Midwives and obstetricians can work in collaboration with women […]
Greener Leader Blog Series: Doctors as advocates for a health-based response to the climate crisis: reflections from Doctors for the Environment Australia. By Dr. Kate Wylie
Health is at the heart of the climate crisis. The health of individuals, of communities and nations, of our non-human kin and even our planet’s health, are all at the mercy of global heating and climate change. Health professionals have an opportunity to use our trusted voices to centre health in the debate. Our advocacy […]
Greener Leader Blog Series: Many small steps create big change. By Dr Frances Cundill
Ultimately, I want to leave the world in a better place for my children and future generations, and for them to live happy and healthy lives. Whilst the climate news stories can feel disheartening at times, I believe that a brighter future is still possible, and, if anything, it has made me more determined to […]
Greener Leader Blog Series: The ‘Net Zero Clinical Care’ conference: a step on the long road to a sustainable NHS. By Dr. Sara Lightowlers
The first BMJ Net Zero Clinical Care conference took place on 10th October 2023. After a year of escalating climate consequences, there has been a strong sense of urgency amongst healthcare professionals engaged in the climate movement, for something such as this. An event that enables us to come together and discuss what a Net […]
Greener Leader Blog Series: Plant-based Universities: a prescription for planetary health. By Alfie J Hall and Hollie Meyers
Young people, like us, are set to bear the brunt of the climate emergency, yet we often feel powerless in generating meaningful change amongst a cohort of leaders, largely dominated by older generations. Medical students, who have their time split between studying and clinical placements, have an almost impossible task in contributing to the wave […]
Greener Leader Blog Series : The Green Team. By Lorenz Kemper
While I have always strived to be mindful of our environment, it is in recent years that I have taken more active steps, even if it meant personal inconveniences and financial investments. The driving force for this was no single event, but the momentum of various campaigns such as Friday-for-Future school strikes and TV documentaries, […]
Greener Leader Blog series: Being a physician parent in the time of climate crisis – Leading with compassion, anger, and hope. By Kathryn Speedy and Melanie Knowles
Becoming a parent is an extraordinary thing. Few will forget the moment they held their baby for the first time, and the countless humdrum yet astonishing moments that followed as their child learned, smiled, walked and talked. Parents of young children often spend hours outside, perhaps deepening our sense of connection with the natural world. […]
Greener Leader Blog Series: Exploring our circles of influence as climate leaders. By Eleanor Murray
Minimising the impacts of climate change is a huge challenge, one that requires both individual actions and system changes. This can be explored through our circles of influence, our networks, and our roles as resource stewards, improvement agents, and advocates for health promotion. Circle of influence. The climate emergency is a concern to us all; […]
Greener Leader Blog Series: Going Greener in General Practice. By Vasumathy Sivarajasingam
Although GPs may well be aware that the climate emergency is also a health emergency, many may not make the connection with what they can do in clinical practice to reduce general practice’s carbon footprint. As GPs and primary care teams, we are on the frontline, and already encountering some of the resulting health impacts […]