Climate change and health

Climate change is an environmental issue which can contribute towards significant health and wellbeing impacts. 

The public health threat

Climate change refers to the shifts in climate patterns that result from the warming of the planet. Climate change is the long-term, continued shifting of temperatures and weather patterns across the globe, an evolution driven by human activities including the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and gas to support industry, transport, and heating of buildings. Since 1980 greenhouse gas emissions have doubled, total annual global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, with no signs of peaking.

In the UK, according to the Meteorological Office, the ten warmest years on record have all occurred since 2002, heatwaves are now 30 times more likely to happen due to climate change. Winters are projected to become warmer and wetter on average, summers are projected to become hotter and are more likely to be drier, by 2050, heatwaves are expected to happen every other year.

Impact of climate change

The impact of climate change is multi-dimensional. Climate change can impact health in two main ways- in terms of health outcomes (such as heatwaves and heat strokes), and the ability of the health system to respond. Some of these outcomes will have a greater effect on the residents of Wandsworth than others.

The influence of weather and climate on human health are significant and varied. They range from direct threats of temperature extremes such as heat and severe storms to connections that may seem less obvious. For example, weather and climate affect the survival, distribution and behaviour of mosquitoes, ticks and rodents that can carry diseases.

The most vulnerable people

Climate change can affect everyone. Heat and cold related harms are more likely to impact severely on certain groups and those with particular social and clinical circumstances. People who are more likely to be vulnerable in terms of health include:

• Young children including babies and those under 5
• Pregnant women
• Older adults
• People with disabilities, pre-existing or chronic medical conditions

Research also identifies people who may be at risk, including those:

• With low income and/or in deprived communities
• Working in vulnerable occupations such as construction workers, street sellers
• Living in certain locations which are vulnerable to climate change e.g. flood zone areas

Local impacts

Many of our borough’s vulnerabilities to climate impacts stem from number of factors which are linked to geography, population including density and the built environment. The impact of climate change in relation to health and wellbeing that are most likely to be directly felt by people in the immediate coming years within a localised context include:

Extreme weather events

This includes heatwaves (defined as a prolong period of excessive heat) and storms. Summer overheating can potentially contribute to heat-related health problems. Premature deaths due to hotter summers are projected to triple by 2050 in London without any action.

Heat island effects

Heatwaves can also contribute towards “urban heat island effects” which can cause cities such as London to be up to 10°C warmer than neighbouring rural areas because of the sun’s rays being absorbed by hard surfaces such as concrete rather than vegetation (e.g., trees, plants, and grass) with the heat accumulated being released back into the local atmosphere during the night. 

Overheating of buildings during the summer months

Heat is generated from a combination of heatwaves, heat island effects, plus heat generated by electronic equipment in households such as fridges and levels of insulation. This risk is exacerbated in city centre areas with newly built multi-residential buildings, where internal heat and solar gains can be more significant due to thermal insulation materials used in construction and glazing.

Flash floods and flooding

The borough like most urban areas in London, are most vulnerable to surface water flooding. This is because built up areas have reduced natural drainage and heavy rainfall can swiftly overwhelm the drainage network, quickly leading to flash flooding of low-lying areas. There is a risk of tidal flooding from the Thames and tributary rivers. 

Reductions in water availability

Particularly during summer periods. Hotter drier summers and less predictable rainfall because of climate change is likely to lead to increased drought risk and possible water shortages in London. This may contribute towards more frequent water use restrictions. The availability of water is critical for drinking, washing, and flushing of toilets, impacting homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.

What you can do  

There are number of things you can do to help reduce your exposure and contribute to lessening climate change.

Protecting yourself

You should ensure you monitor the weather including warnings and forecasts from the Met Office. Also refer to the severe weather page in terms of other actions that you can take.  

If you have any concerns about your health in context of climate change impacts such as severe heat, health issues that you may have and any medications that you may be taking, please see your GP. They are best placed to assess your health needs and refer you to the right specialist care if necessary.

Lessen your contribution to climate change

There are number of ways in which you can lessen your contribution to climate change these include traveling by car less especially for short journeys, opting for public transport, car share, walking or cycling where possible.

Buying locally available foods including regional or national to lessen international transport emissions. Avoid fast fashion i.e. cheap and disposable clothing.  Eat less meat, animal farming produces significant green house gases. Reduce, reuse, and recycle items that you may have at home.  

Public Health involvement in climate change

Public Health has a role to protect the health of the population and works jointly with others in the council and across other bodies such as the local NHS in providing advice and guidance on health impacts and measures linked to climate change.

We have drafted an action plan which outlines specific public health actions related to climate change. The three key areas within the action plan are:

• Mapping - identification and location of vulnerable groups and communities in the borough in terms of climate change risk
• Engagement - targeted and tailored communication and engagement based on the local health needs and the potential impact of climate change on health of the population
• Behavioural change - learning and development to support council officers and other frontline staff and volunteers to facilitate conversations about climate change impacts and to assist vulnerable at-risk groups in the community