We’ve published a report: The Effects of Climate Change on Health in the UK, in collaboration with the Longevity Science Panel demonstrating that the poorest and most vulnerable people will be most impacted by extreme weather.
Progressive policy for future equality
Our research shows that greater focus is needed on climate policy development to protect vulnerable people from indirect health implications of climate change. For example, mental health challenges arising from displacement after a flood may cause those impacted to reach out to public health services.
Additional implications that should be considered by policymakers include:
- Socio-economic: in times of economic uncertainty, the health of the most disadvantaged is disproportionately impacted
- Food security: climate related disruptions to global food production and supply chains will reduce food security, particularly for low-income families
- Insecure housing: lower socio-economic households are more likely to be exposed to the damage caused by extreme weather events as poverty tends to force people to live in higher risk areas, but often lacking the disposable income to adequately prepare for the hazards associated with climate change
- Poor quality homes: the build quality of lower income and private rental homes can make them more vulnerable to severe damage during adverse weather events
- Gender inequalities: women are likely to be impacted more by climate effects than men. They are more often the primary caregivers, and these responsibilities can be considered an additional source of stress in times of adversity, particularly when people in their care are threatened directly by displacement or food insecurity
- Age inequalities: the very young and the elderly are disproportionately affected by climate change compared to working age adults. This is due to differences in physiology, impacts on education, development, exposure, vulnerability to illness, lack of social support, declining health, and disruption to daily activities
Looking ahead, reaching net zero depends on emerging technology and systemic change, as well as continued public support for measures that threaten jobs, economic growth, and established ways of living.
We have recently formed a partnership with leading epidemiologist Professor Sir Michael Marmot to tackle health inequalities. We have been working with Sir Michael and his team at UCL to identify how business leaders might positively impact health outcomes and make good health available to all.
Collaboration between academics, business, Government, and communities will be needed to meet these challenges on health inequality.
