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Health workers encouraged to help tackle climate change effects

The government has today announced new plans to encourage health workers and local authorities to do more to deal with the effects of climate change.

Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said: "Health professionals are key to communicating the health risks of climate change and I would urge them to play their part."

Under new guidelines issued by Ms Primarolo, local health professionals will be given information about how to ensure that their buildings are energy efficient, how they can reduce their carbon footprint and advice on dealing with the effects of climate change such as the growing threat of flooding and heatwaves.

There is also a plan to launch public awareness campaigns about tackling the health effects of climate change throughout the UK.

It is hoped that health professionals can help the rest of the country adapt to the changes induced by climate change.

The Department of Health last week announced a £24 million fund will be allocated to voluntary and community care organisations across the country.

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