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Climate change

Children are among the most vulnerable to the health risks of climate change. See our position statement, action plan and resources produced with our working group of enthusiastic members and staff - and join us in tackling this issue.
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Our action plan

Climate change action is embedded as a priority in our 2021-24 College strategy, with six ambitions to drive our activity. Our action plan was published in January 2022, and we'll be sharing our progress.
See our action plan

Our eBulletin

Stay up to date with news, events and ways to get involved on climate change by signing up to our new eBulletin.

You just need to complete our short form. We'll deliver the eBulletin to your inbox every other month.
Sign up to the eBulletin
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Climate Change Working Group

This dynamic group of members delivers the College’s climate change strategy over five workstreams.
About our group

Resources for health professionals

These can support members to become more environmentally sustainable and take action.
Explore resources
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Get involved

Speak with your council about air pollution, share resources with colleauges or write about your experiences...
Get involved

Our five workstreams

Advocating for change
Research
Support for members
College building and resources
International

The impact of climate change on global child health - our position statement

Download this 'at a glance' poster
Read full position statement

Latest news and articles on climate change

More
Article
25 November 2022

Will you take on International Buy Nothing Day?

As the festive period begins and on International Buy Nothing Day, Dr Lucy Reynolds, a Community Consultant Paediatrician based in Glasgow, reflects on the environmental and developmental cost of modern materialism. As a member of the Climate Change Advocating for Change Working Group, she also disc...
Dr Camilla Kingdon, RCPCH President
President's blog
4 November 2022

Sustainable staffing and climate challenges - President's blogs

In the run up to COP27, Camilla reflects on the challenges to child health brought by climate change. She also highlights the 'Thrive Paediatrics' programme, as it moves forward with two Clinical Fellows posts open for recruitment.

On our blog, RCPCH Insight

What do the COP26 negotiations mean for children and young people’s health?
The climate crisis is a child rights crisis
How does air pollution affect children and young people?
This #CleanAirDay, how can we protect children’s health?

Our work on air quality

Illustration by Maya, age 11

Climate change can impact air quality and, conversely, air quality can impact climate change. Poor air quality has been linked to serious health conditions in children, such as cancer, asthma and cardiovascular diseases.

We are committed to leading the way to adopt ways of working and policies that support improvements in air quality. In January 2020, we published two major pieces of research and policy advocacy to highlight the threat of poor air quality to health outcomes for children.

Outdoor air quality in the UK - our position statement
Indoor air quality - our report, 'The Inside Story'