Contraction and convergence

Over the past 20 years the view that human activity is disturbing the normal cycles of climate change has become widely supported by scientists. Fossil fuel burning has amplified changes in greenhouse gasses so that whereas levels of Carbon Dioxide have been below 300 parts per million over the past million years, they are now 380 ppm and rising rapidly. We doctors have explored and documented the likely health consequences of these changes. These are both direct, as in the extension of vector borne diseases associated with warming climates, and indirect, through for example crop failure due to changing weather patterns.

The potential for a devastating impact on the health of all peoples is now clear, and if that was the end of the story, we would have reason to be despairing. Fortunately, there is another narrative, a narrative which gives us reason for optimism and a basis for effective action. Tackling climate change by radically reducing global fossil fuel use, but doing this in a way which enables poor countries to have headroom for development, will be of major benefit to health. This health promoting framework for tackling climate change is called Contraction and Convergence - reducing the global carbon emissions, and dividing the residual carbon into equal entitlements for all adults.

The consequence for health in our own country will be a phased increase in exercise, improving air quality, the greening of public spaces, and an improving diet with a decrease in meat consumption. When we consider that the majority of chronic disease is due to lack of exercise, inappropriate diets and poor air quality, this essential measure to tackle climate change transforms into an essential measure for tackling chronic disease. More widely the equal entitlement of carbon means that whilst we in the rich countries have to radically reduce our use of fossil fuels, those in poor countries have opportunities to sell some of their entitlement to us, and to use the rest to transform their societies.

So ‘Whats good for climate change is good for health.” Through tackling climate change in this fair shares way we deliver benefits to our individual patients and to many others around the globe.

The Climate and Health Council, which I co-chair, and of which Tim Ballard is a member, asks you to join us in ensuring that this transformative view of climate change is taken seriously in all negotiations. Go to our website, which suggests a range of actions you can take. In particular we ask you to sign our pledge. www.climateandhealth/pledge

6000 health professionals from many countries have already signed, and by adding your name we will get increasing evidence of our commitment to tackle climate change. We can use this evidence to give our negotiators the courage and space to make the appropriate decisions both nationally and internationally.

Robin Stott
Co-chair, Climate and Health Council

See you in Harrogate...

On Monday this week I represented the RCGP at a workshop organised by the NHS Sustainable Development Unit. With the conference in Harrogate next week and its sustainability theme it was a timely opportunity to begin to plan a vision for sustainable healthcare in the UK. The participants were from a wide range of healthcare backgrounds. As the day progressed it became clear how central a role GPs could and probably should have in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future health service.

GPs are well used to dealing with complexity and taking accout of problems holistically. The White Paper gives GPs an opportunity to influence the delivery of health care in innovative ways. Rather than simply addressing the bottom line in financial terms we will perhaps have the opportunity to influence how the planning and delivery of health and care services can positively influence the society which it is designed to work within. The ability of GPs to manage uncertainty and risk are skills that have the potential to fundamentally change the approach of NHS commissioning. I'm looking forward to discussing these themes among others at Harrogate.

If you want to talk you will be able to track me down and find me on the main RCGP stand for most of the conference.

Best Wishes,

Tim Ballard

Reducing our emissions...

With only a few days until Conference, delegates have already started to show ways in which to reduce their carbon footprint.

This video from two GP practices in Brighton is just one example: http://www.vimeo.com/15154273

We look forward to sharing more ideas on how we can all be more sustainable next week in Harrogate.

We hope to see you there!

Conference plans and a call for initiatives

The plans for the conference are blossoming!

I'm really excited about the interactive "World Cafe" workshop which will be looking at multiple themes relating to the primary care sustainability agendas. Your Cafe proprietor for the event will be Trevor Thompson. I think it's likely to be heavily oversubscribed so I would make sure that you sign up to the limited places as soon as the bookings for the sessions are opened up.

I've had quite a few e-mails from individuals and practices about local and practice sustainability initiatives. I'd really like to see as many practices as possible post their ideas and experiences on this site so that we can pull them all together in time for the conference. One was from Dr John Hain at the Nidderdale Group Practice. He told of his experience doing visits on his electric assisted bike. Hopefully he will be able to bring it along to the conference so that we can covet it!

Finally it would be brilliant to hear of any sustainable travel plans that delegates have, again I'd really appreciate it if they could be posted on this site. We would love to hear about them no matter how simple they seem.

Best Wishes,

Tim Ballard

This year's conference

There are many firsts about this year’s conference, one in particular is that this is my first ever blog!

I was asked to lead the RCGP work on Sustainability/Climate change and health in October 2008. It has been an interesting 18 months. I’m thrilled that the RCGP is leading by example not only in relation to the topic of the 2010 conference in Harrogate but that we are taking the first faltering footsteps to deliver a conference with less environmental impact. The whole sustainable health agenda is fascinating. Not only does it resonate with society’s need to address the challenge of climate change but it feeds into the debate about how we continue to deliver ever higher quality healthcare in straightened economic times.

The conference planning team have been working hard to reflect the importance of the sustainable agenda in relation to important health issues of the day whilst maintaining the excellence and breadth of content that the conference is now famed for.
The environmental footprint of a big national conference is considerable. We are trying really hard to minimise this where we can though. This should be seen as the first step on a journey. The feedback of members and delegates will be really helpful, both with suggestions before the conference and observations/reflections during and afterwards.

I’m already getting excited about this year’s conference, but there again I suppose I’m the excitable type!

Best wishes,

Tim Ballard

Welcome

Welcome to the RCGP Annual Conference blog. As this year's Conference theme is 'sustainability', we thought it would be useful to explain reasons behind some of our decision making in shaping the Conference and keeping it sustainable.

The Conference Management Team meet every month and we'll update this blog accordingly explaining how we are attempting to be sustainable.