Book Review: The Health Practitioner’s Guide to Climate Change

If you think the link between climate change and health is not an obvious one, or if you ask whether you are in a position to make any real difference, then The Health Practitioner’s Guide to Climate Change has probably got the answers you are looking for.

One case study describes a trust’s use of combined heat and power to cut emissions and generate its own electricity

It vividly illustrates why climate change presents a serious threat to human health.

The first section provides information on climate change and the environment and describes the potential health benefits of a more sustainable, low carbon way of living. The second provides a wealth of examples of good practice and tools already being used, for example sustainable travel plans and business events.

One case study describes a trust’s use of combined heat and power to cut emissions and generate its own electricity, while the close interdependency between climate change and health is illustrated compellingly in a chapter describing the impact sustainable transport policies can have both on climate change and on obesity and chronic diseases.

An impressive line-up of expert contributors draws on many years of experience of working closely with healthcare professionals. This book creates a platform for building and spreading shared ideas, and for harnessing the leadership potential of health practitioners to promote meaningful change.

Leonie Schell is a consultant with healthcare consultancy Finnamore.