A new report to Parliament from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has called the UK’s preparations for climate change “inadequate”, and CIEH has shared its own concerns calling on the Government to harness the skills and views of environmental health professionals in their plans.

The CCC is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008, with the purpose of advising the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets, reporting to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The CCC has now released a report on progress in adapting to climate change, outlining immediate concerns about the country’s preparedness for the impacts of rising temperatures. The report can be viewed here: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-adapting-to-climate-change-2025/

From hospitals and care homes to food and water supplies, the report warns that the UK is vulnerable to serious economic and health impacts in the decades ahead should action not be taken.

CIEH shares the committee’s concerns around the current state of preparedness for the impacts of climate change and the need for urgency to ensure we are adapting to the threats that lie ahead.

Whether in ensuring the security of our food supply chains, mitigating the effects of air pollution, or preparing for changes in the types of insects which are found in the UK, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) play a vital part in responding to and communicating the impact climate change is having on environmental and public health.

Joan Walley, Honorary Vice President at CIEH, said:

“The CCC’s report gives some alarming insights on how prepared we are as a country for the impact of climate change and action is needed now to improve our resilience and ability to adapt to the threat rising temperatures pose.

“This work needs to be a priority and at a local level, who is better equipped and skilled than Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) at taking a lead in this work?

“EHPs are qualified and trained to understand the inextricable linkages between the natural and built environments and the health and wellbeing of people. They have opportunities, skills and knowledge that if properly harnessed can make a significant contribution towards meeting the challenges ahead.

“We would therefore call on the Government to ensure focus is not lost in ensuring we are prepared as possible for the threats caused by climate change, and to ensure that they utilise the skills and local knowledge of EHPs in their planning.”