Climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity
As the NHS said “the climate emergency is a health emergency. Climate change threatens the foundations of good health, with direct and immediate consequences for our patients, the public and the NHS”
Tackling climate change protects health, strengthens the economy and improves physical and mental wellbeing by reducing environmental risks, supporting nature and giving people hope through positive action
We call upon the Mayor to recognise that public health is part of the pressing need for urgent action to reduce climate change, and increasing people’s access to nature will be good for health.
We need:
More green spaces
Green space and trees will naturally absorb carbon, alleviate flood risk, improve air quality, provide shade, and can be used to calm traffic
Improved home insulation
Keeping warm in winter and reducing the ill-health impacts of cold and damp. Further, helping to keep people cool in summer and reducing the health impact of overheating and additional deaths each year
More active travel
Increasing physical activity will lead to longer lives, healthier old age, reduced obesity and early death. This modal transport change coupled with electrification will reduce carbon emissions
Fewer motor vehicles
To reduce the air pollution that causes thousands of early deaths a year, as well as chronic ill-health
Localised food supply chains
Eating local fresh food with less meat is good for health as well as reducing the climate impact of our diets. Money will be retained in the Sussex region promoting jobs and food security
Multiple health benefits
“health in all policies” includes checking for adverse impacts on the climate and nature, that in turn impact on our physical and mental health
Sussex Climate And Nature Network 