The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change – representing 600,000 doctors, nurses and allied health professionals – has urged the Government to protect the public’s health by implementing its pledge to phase-out coal power.

In its inaugural report entitled A Breath of Fresh Air: Addressing Climate Change and Air Pollution Together for Health published on October 18, the Alliance argued that approaches to addressing both challenges simultaneously will create much greater health benefits and cost-savings than strategies which address them separately.

Professor John Middleton, President of the Faculty of Public Health, said: “Both air pollution and climate change present serious risks to public health, but a joined-up approach to tackling these threats can reap enormous benefits – particularly for our most vulnerable – as well as cutting the health burden and costs to the NHS. The UK must play its part in shifting from coal powered energy to renewable energy sources and so contribute to the agreement in Paris to reduce carbon emissions.”

The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change brings together Britain’s major health institutions. Its aim is to encourage stronger, smarter approaches to tackling climate change that protect and promote public health, whilst also reducing the burden on health services. The Alliance’s members include: Royal College of General Practitioners, Royal College of Physicians, Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of Emergency Medicine, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Royal College of Psychiatrists, Faculty of Public Health, Royal Society of Medicine, Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health, the Climate and Health Council, The Lancet, British Medical Association and the British Medical Journal.

The report, as well as the media release and infographic, can be accessed here. It was featured in The Guardian and The Lancet.