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Our work on climate change

Health Policy team
As we advocate for children and young people's health and wellbeing, we have a responsibility to address the impact of climate change, which is described by the World Health Organisation as the "defining health challenge of our time". Following a member motion in 2020, RCPCH declared a climate emergency and launched a programme of work to ensure we uphold that declaration to ensure the world is preserved for future generations.

Since, tackling climate change has been a priority for the College.

Summary of work to date

2020

Declared a climate emergency, joined UK Health Alliance on Climate change and launched the Climate Change Working Group. 

2021 - 2024

Climate change named as a priority in the 2021-2024 College strategy. 

A three-year action plan on climate change and Climate Change Working Group expanded to include four workstreams: 

  • Advocating for change: Placed RCPCH at the forefront of climate advocacy, scoring full marks on the Climate and Health Scorecard and influencing national policy through campaigns and partnerships
  • Support for members: Created developed practical resources and embedded climate priorities into paediatric practice and education, including curriculum illustrations and sustainability projects
  • Research: Shared cutting-edge evidence on climate impacts on child health through eBulletins and conference sessions, equipping paediatricians to become informed advocates and educators
  • International: Amplified paediatric voices globally, published policy recommendations, and gathered member insights to influence international climate health agendas for children

RCPCH &Us Climate Changers: Engaged young people in shaping climate-health advocacy, producing reports, podcasts, and campaigns that highlight children’s rights and mental health concerns.

2025 and on

Tackling climate change is now embedded into the work of the College. We have an Officer for Climate Change who reports into the Vice President for Policy.

The Climate Change Working Group has evolved into the Climate Change Member Reference Group which meets three times per year to: 

  • shape the continued RCPCH response to the climate emergency
  • provide expert opinion to the college on matters relating to the impacts of climate change on child health
  • contribute to the climate change eBulletin.

We are also committed to achieving Net Zero at RCPCH by 2040.

Policy reports and outputs

Preserving the world for future generations: Children and young people's perspective on how to tackle climate change

Health inequalities and climate change toolkit and position

The impact of climate change on child health around the world: Results of a survey of child health professionals outside the UK

Air pollution companion

Air pollution is now the second leading risk factor for child death under 5 years. Our air pollution companion offers a ‘one stop shop’ to learn about air pollution and child health, and integrate it into your practice. It also hosts our 'Clean Air, Healthy Childhoods' report and air pollution position statement with our governmental recommendations for legislative change.

Plus, useful information about what air pollution is, how to talk about it with patients (including resources developed by children and young people as well as videos developed in collaboration with Greater Ormond Street Hospital and Camden Council) and expertise on how to advocate for yourself and your patients.