Climate emergency and political will—reaching beyond human usefulness

Health professionals have warned about the impact of the climate emergency on the planet and on human health for decades. But despite these warnings carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise.1 With every year, the extent of climate breakdown worsens. Scientists recently reported that the “Earth is now well outside of the safe operating space for humanity,” as six out of nine planetary boundaries have been breached.2 Several climate tipping points relating to melting ice caps, ocean currents, permafrost regions, and deforestation are estimated to be on the brink.3 Scientists continue to call for radical action to reverse the rate of decline, but political commitment is dangerously inadequate.

In clinical practice, change often comes only after people have ignored warning signs for years. It can take a catastrophic event to prompt action. The climate emergency is no different. Governments, organisations, and decision makers see the warning signs but remain reluctant to invest in and implement the climate policies needed to protect us. Recent backpedalling on climate targets illustrates how denialism and delay are too often chosen over political commitment and courage.4 The UK government’s U turn on climate commitments came a day after António Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, gave a speech at the UN General Assembly calling on political leaders to “take drastic steps now” to tackle the climate emergency and lambasted politicians for their failure to act sooner.5

The unwillingness of political parties to commit to ambitious climate targets may also be linked to their vested interests and funding. Analysis by the investigative journalism organisation.DeSmog found that the UK’s Conservative party received £3.5m (€4m; $4.3m) from companies and individuals linked to climate denial, fossil fuel, and high pollution industries in 2022.6 The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, has competing interests that might rule him out of decision making on fossil fuel investments, for example. Even when the political will and courage to implement change is present, such as with the recent expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in London to reduce air pollution, these ideas are presented as unpopular and harmful, despite surveys showing more support than opposition and evidence of their public health benefit.78

However, this short term thinking is out of step with the majority of voters, who cite the climate emergency as a key concern.9 Research has found that young people around the world are dissatisfied with governments’ responses to the climate emergency and feel a sense of betrayal, which negatively affects their mental health.10

Achieving net zero will require governments and companies to make long term investments and implement whole systems change. Governments often cite the costs to consumers of reaching green targets as a reason to dilute them. But the responsibility for enacting change should not rest only with individuals. Rather, it is governments who must show leadership by investing in green renewable energy, sustainable transport systems, and climate resilient housing.11

As well as being the right thing to do, it makes economic sense.12 Green investment is a way to grow the economy.13 If we don’t invest now, reaching net zero will be more expensive in the long run. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that any initial costs of transitioning to net zero would be offset by later savings.14 Research suggests that switching to renewable energy, instead of fossil fuels, would save £10.2tn by 2050.15

Reducing emissions and adapting to the climate crisis requires cross sectoral collaboration across the whole of society—health, transport, housing, economics, and many other sectors. Many of the solutions to the climate crisis have benefits beyond adaptation and mitigation of carbon emissions. For example, insulating homes and investing in sustainable transport infrastructures and healthy green cities will also help alleviate the cost of living crisis and improve health.13 Cities around the world are leading the way by taking a collaborative approach to reduce air pollution and creating greener spaces.161718 The NHS is already thinking carefully about how to green its service while improving care, and has established itself as a leader among national health systems.19 We can also learn from clinical practice, where there is evidence of how cross sectoral collaboration can help with large systems change and quality improvement.20