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Child health inequalities and climate change

Climate change poses an existential threat to the health and wellbeing of children and young people. But it is not experienced equally. We look at unequal exposure to its effects, capacity to adapt, food security and eco distress.
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Our position - the evidence and policy recommendations for UK

Actions to combat climate change could improve child health equity. And actions to improve equity have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our call to the four UK Governments: make child health central to climate policy development.

Our position statement (October 2023)
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Tool 1 - Develop your understanding

Our first tool for paediatricians outlines the evidence: how climate change impacts on children and young people’s health in the UK, and and how it exacerbates health inequalities.
Tool 1
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Tool 2 - Advocate for action

Our second tool encourages you to try to influence decisions within systems and institutions. We explore how we can listen to different points of view and collectively identify solutions.
Tool 2
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Children and young people's voice

Our report, 'Preserving the world for future generations' gives insight into how children and young people - in the UK and internationally - perceive and understand climate change.
Report
Illustration of park with slide, on a slope marked social gradient. Sun beams with words: Eco anxiety, Capacity to adapt to climate change, Unequal food system, Unequal exposure to the effects of climate change. Beneath higher side of slope reads: Less deprivation, poverty and child deprivation; More green space; Nutritious food supply. Beneath lower side of slope reads: Higher deprivation, poverty and child deprivation; Deprived urban areas with less green space; Less access to nutritious food.

Related content

Child health inequalities and poverty - our position and toolkit
Climate change - action plan, environmental policy, resources, opportunities

Our latest news and blogs on health inequalities and/or climate change

All news
view of Edinburgh Scotland
Media response
7 May 2025

RCPCH respond to the Scottish Programme for Government

The programme set out the Scottish Government’s intention to cut NHS waiting times, raise more children out of poverty, improve access to GP appointments, grow the economy and tackle climate change.
Dr Nick Wilkinson
Blog
17 April 2025

A manifesto for Wales - why now and why not you?

The Senedd election in Wales is next May. So what better time, suggests Officer for Wales Dr Nick Wilkinson, to help ensure child and adolescent health and wellbeing top the list for debate? Here's how members in Wales can engage with our recently published manifesto.