Medact Yorkshire
The three Yorkshire-based Medact groups are hosting a webinar on 2 June to discuss how those working in health and social care in Yorkshire and others can take action to achieve a healthier and more just society in Yorkshire in this climate emergency. Set up in 2017, Medact’s major focus is fossil fuel free health and divestment, and members also promote their objectives including peace and security, migrant health and economic justice (see: https://www.medact.org/membership/groups/yorkshire/ )
All over the world, climate change is undermining the health of entire communities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has forecast that if serious action is not taken now to reduce emissions, we may see as many as 250,000 additional climate-related deaths each year between 2030-2050 alone. In Yorkshire, studies have shown that climate change has already increased the likelihood of regular, more severe flooding.
This is a crisis that concerns all of society, but it does not impact us all equally. As we have seen, communities and nations across the globe already feeling the impacts of climate change also tend to be the ones least responsible for it. It is in these communities that we are already seeing excess deaths due to extreme weather events, increasing rates of things such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory conditions resulting from environmental injustices such as air pollution.
Although this webinar has a ‘health focus’ it has a much wider interest. You can join it on Wednesday 2 June, and explore how those working in health and social care can take action for a healthier, greener and more just society, one that prioritises the health and wellbeing of people and planet!
There is a line-up of first rate speakers:
- Matthew Sawyer – GP and Sustainability Consultant
- Alexis Percival – Environmental and Sustainability Manager, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA)
- Angela Harley – Medact Yorkshire
- Jess Zollman-Thomas – Medact Sheffield
- Mia Thomas – Medact Leeds
- Christian Vassie – City of York councillor and ‘Climate Champion’
The event at 7.00pm on Wednesday 2 June is free. To register, please follow this link:
