The connections between climate and health are profound, demanding coordinated action at every level.

 

The Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission, in collaboration with Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Greener NHS North East & Yorkshire, is hosting a roundtable to address the intersection of health and the climate crisis.

This event will bring together regional leaders, healthcare stakeholders and climate experts – including Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Julia King (chair of the Climate Change Committee’s Adaptation Committee) – to discuss the critical role of the healthcare sector in tackling climate challenges. 

 

The issue

Growing evidence demonstrates that climate action not only drives economic growth but can also improve health inequalities and boost productivity. In our Climate Action Plan, we highlight the need for coordinated, region-wide action, across all organisations, and these local and regional efforts are key to unlocking health co-benefits.

The NHS plays a crucial role, particularly in actions that ultimately benefit patients, especially more vulnerable communities who tend to disproportionately suffer from climate impacts. As urgency for action rises, local, regional and global initiatives are gathering momentum, with the development of Green Plans for each Integrated Care Board (ICB), action plans for NHS Trusts, and a range of strategies and supply chains that could provide effective levers for positive change. 

 

The event 

This roundtable will explore the relationship between health and climate, focusing on the healthcare sector’s regional role in addressing the dual challenge.

Participants will be invited to showcase best practice, share insights, identify barriers, strengthen partnerships, and foster new collaborations. Recognising the complexity of the issue, discussions will initially focus on identifying how regional collaboration can best support actionable steps from the ICBs, ultimately enabling the healthcare system to rise to this challenge.   

 

Aims and objectives
  • Building on and developing a shared understanding of the roles of the NHS and ICBs in addressing the climate crisis, emphasising both the potential risks and benefits to health.  
  • Enhancing confidence and support systems for effective collaboration to move this agenda forward. 
  • Laying the groundwork for practical actions, including strengthening Green Plans and integrating climate into wider NHS strategies and supply chains. 
  • Identifying next steps to enhance impact post-roundtable. 

 

Post-event plans 

The outcomes will be compiled into a concise report with recommendations for next steps, outlining current activities and potential collaborative actions for future impact.