Health Inequality Insights

Climate Justice and Health Creation

NationalHEFT Season 2 Episode 5

Episode Description

Dr Su Khant Chei (GP) welcomes Dr Honey Smith, a GP in Sheffield and Director at Greener Practice; and Dr Munro Stewart, a GP partner in Dundee and joint climate sustainability lead for RCGP Scotland. We discuss the urgency of addressing the climate crisis due to its knock-on impacts on public health.


Key Messages

  • The climate crisis is a health crisis, which affects the most vulnerable socioeconomic groups the most and therefore exacerbates health inequalities.
  • Health creation seeks to address the root causes of ill health by improving living environments, unlike the narrower focus of disease prevention.
  • Overprescribing and polypharmacy disproportionally affects more deprived people, and also causes preventable environmental harms.
  • Planetary health should be a responsibility for healthcare providers and you can start through a small action or conversation that can shift mindsets.


Resources

Greener Practice website, including a DIY guide toolkit for GPs:

https://www.greenerpractice.co.uk/


Health effects of adopting low greenhouse gas emission diets in the UK:
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/5/4/e007364.full.pdf


Connect with us

If you would like to get involved, have any questions, comments, or topic suggestions, please email us at nationalheft@gmail.com. You can also connect with us on https://future.nhs.uk/NationalHEFT/groupHome and https://twitter.com/NationalHEFT


Disclaimer

The information provided in this podcast, is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners are encouraged to consult with their own healthcare providers or seek appropriate medical guidance for any specific health concerns. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective institutions or organizations. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, but we cannot guarantee that all content is current, complete, or free from errors. Listeners are encouraged to verify any medical information from trusted sources and consult with their own qualified healthcare professionals. We hope this podcast serves as a valuable resource in promoting awareness and understanding of health inequalities and related topics.