A 2020 UCL Institute of Health Equity (IHE) report warned that climate change will widen health inequalities in the future unless we take urgent action.4 Fortunately, the action we take to reduce greenhouse gases can also promote health equity. Extreme temperatures in either direction—below 5°C and above 25°C—are associated with the greatest risk of mortality.5 The link between cold temperatures and health inequalities is well established,6 with fuel poverty and cold homes disproportionately affecting more deprived communities. Although the link between health inequalities and excessive heat is less clear, there is growing evidence and cause for concern. Extreme heat related mortality is higher in areas with fewer hospital beds per capita. Heat related health education programmes and health-warnings (including emergency alerts) need to consider issues of equity and access (for example, bridging gaps in health literacy and the digital divide).21 Promoting social equity will also help empower people to take action to reduce their contribution to climate change.

Source: The Guardian December 02, 2023 00:01 UTC