Climate change, health care, and why COP 26 matters

One in twenty vehicles on the road is linked to the NHS, but do we really understand how healthcare contributes to climate change? As COP26 takes place in Glasgow, we explore how the environment affects individual and population health, and what we can do to make our practice more sustainable. We’re joined by Dr Richard Smith, chair of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, and Rose Gallagher, the professional lead for Infection Prevention and Control, who also leads on climate change and sustainability at the RCN.    Nursing Matters is presented by PNC chair Rachel Hollis and PNC student member Kendal Moran. Tell us what YOU want us to discuss on the podcast by tweeting @theRCN with the tag #NursingMatters   “Climate change is the biggest threat - and opportunity - facing healthcare today.” - Richard Smith “Putting the promotion of health first rather than reacting to ill health Is going to be absolutely crucial” - Rose Gallagher “If we don’t do something about the environment  people will be fighting over space, over water, over food.” - Richard Smith. “80% of the carbon footprint of the NHS is driven by clinical decisions.” - Richard Smith “The pandemic has really encouraged me to challenge my own practice and make it more sustainable.” - Rose Gallagher  “There is a movement growing. Everyone is talking about how they can change their practice to be greener.” - Rose Gallagher   Presented by Rachel Hollis. Audio production by Alex Rees. Assistant producer Jelena Sofronijevic. Music: ‘Snappy’ by Jonathan Boyle under licence from premiumbeat.com. Nursing Matters is a Podmasters Production for the RCN.    https://www.rcn.org.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices