Acting on climate change can tackle health inequalities in Northern Ireland

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that ‘climate change will be the defining issue for health systems in the 21st century.  Health professionals have the knowledge, cultural authority and responsibility to protect health from climate change’.

In response to the WHO call for action, Belfast Healthy Cities in partnership with Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety established a regional intersectoral Climate Change and Health Group in November 2009.  The aim of this group is to identify and address the health and health equity impacts of climate change.

The group has now published Climate Change and Health: Impacts, Inequalities and Action, A guide for health professionals in Northern Ireland,  which is the first output from the work of this group. The publication provides an introduction into the health impacts of climate change in Northern Ireland and the potential directions for health sector action to address impacts on people and places.  It is aimed primarily at health professionals, to strengthen understanding of the links between climate change and health, and support with identifying solutions that can contribute to improving health and health equity.

Michael McGimpsey, Minister for Health, said: “Climate change: Impacts, Inequalities and Action is a timely and important document that can help to improve our collective understanding of the links between climate change and health, how this might impact on health inequalities, and priority areas for decision making and action.

“This report provides an important resource for professionals across all sectors, and can significantly contribute to the ongoing process of creating a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for all. I am pleased to endorse it and to encourage its use by all those working across Health and Social Care.”

Joan Devlin, Director of Belfast Healthy Cities said:

“It is important that organisations work together to tackle the health impacts of climate change and ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable groups in our community are addressed. We will be ensuring that all health organisations, Government Departments and local councils receive the report and we encourage a wide ranging and informed debate on this important issue.

”This publication is an important step in advancing the debate on climate change and the impact it has on health of all citizens. The World Health Organisation has held up the issue of climate change as being one of the most defining of the century. With this publication we are beginning to coordinate a Northern Ireland wide response to the issue.”

Belfast Healthy Cities, currently facilitates the regional Climate Change and Health Group which is chaired by Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, DHSSPS.  Membership includes: Belfast Healthy Cities; DHSSPS; Bryson Group; 5 Health and Social Care Trusts;  Public Health Agency; Belfast City Council; Chartered Institute of Environmental Health; Chief Environmental Health Officers Group; OFMDFM/ Sustainable Development Unit; NI Environment Link; Regional Health and Social Care Board; University of Ulster Jordanstown; Food Standards Agency; Northern Ireland Housing Executive; Institute of Public Health; Business Services Organisation; Met Office; and Sustainable NI.

Climate Change and Health: Impacts, Inequalities and Action, A guide for health professionals in Northern Ireland outlines the health impacts of climate change under the following: People; Communities and social networks; Local economy; Working, shopping, moving and learning; The build environment; The natural environment; and The local impacts of global climate change.  A number of case studies providing examples of good practice in Northern Ireland and the UK are included.

For further information please contact Ruth Fleming on 02890 328811 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it