A new report by the UKHACC says the UK government must transform our energy system to one that is safer for people, and promotes rather than harms good health.
The report, A just energy transition for the good of health, was produced in partnership with the Faculty of Public Health, Planetary Health Report Card, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Psychiatrists, and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
The report outlines the devastating health consequences of the UK’s current dependency on fossil fuels, which are the main driver of climate change and air pollution, and are destructive to the natural environment on which all life depends.
It puts forward seven recommendations for the governments of the UK to deliver a cleaner energy system and a better, fairer and healthier society:
- End UK dependency on oil and gas
- Revise and strengthen the 2050 net zero strategy
- Invest in people to meet the demand for green jobs
- Improve infrastructure and access for active travel and clean transport
- Enable a low-carbon, climate-resilient health service
- Demonstrate leadership by delivering domestically and meeting international obligations
It says the UK is now on the cusp of a transformational change to release ourselves from the current dependency on fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas - to one powered by natural energy - wind, wave, and solar. The next five years are critical in phasing out fossil fuels while accelerating progress on renewable energy, building the infrastructure to support fossil-free homes and environments, upskilling the workforce, and demonstrating leadership on a global scale.
RCPCH Officer for Climate Change, Dr Helena Clements, said:
We strongly support the recommendations in this report. Children are among the most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, which is driven by our dependence on fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels accelerates global warming, leading to extreme weather events, the spread of infectious diseases, and toxic air pollution that can damage children's lungs and brains, as well as affect unborn babies.
By ending our reliance on oil and gas and transitioning to clean, renewable energy, we can significantly reduce the rates of health issues that disproportionately affect our youngest generation, paving the way for a safer and healthier future.