Consultation launched on effects of climate change on health sector

Minister for Health Simon Harris has today launched a public consultation on the impact climate change will have on the health sector.

According to the Department of Health, climate change represents a significant threat to human health. Without effective mitigation and adaptation action, climate change will have profound implications for the health and wellbeing of Ireland’s population, for the smooth delivery of health and social care services, and for critical infrastructure.  

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the health sector and we need to respond appropriately.

“Effective adaptation action is required to protect the health and wellbeing of Irish people. My Department is now preparing a five-year plan for climate change for the health sector.

“There are a range of climate change scenarios we must assess including UV radiation from sun exposure; air pollution; the effect of windstorms; extreme heat and heatwaves; high precipitation and flooding; and extreme cold snaps.

“It is essential we hear from the public and hear your views. This will help to ensure we have a robust and thorough plan.”

To make a submission as part of this public consultation, please email submissions to CCAP@health.gov.ie by the deadline of 25 August 2019.  Alternatively, submissions can be posted to:  

Public Consultation on Climate Change Adaptation, Department of Health (Room 417), Miesian Plaza, 50-58 Lower Baggot St, Dublin 2, D02 XW14.

As part of the work to date on developing a plan, six main climate scenarios with the most profound health implications have been identified. Two of the scenarios relate to longer term effects over time – UV radiation from sun exposure, and air pollution – and four scenarios concern acute weather events – windstorms; extreme heat and heatwaves; high precipitation and flooding; and cold snaps.

In particular, the Department would welcome views on the following:
(1)        Do the six climate scenarios identified represent the highest priority concerns and risks for the health sector?
(2)        Are there climate change-related risks or vulnerabilities that do not feature and should be included, and why;
(3)        Do you have additional suggestions for concrete and cost-effective adaptation actions for the health sector?

For further information, visit https://health.gov.ie/consultations/