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UK climate projections: helping the health sector prepare for climate change

News release

Ref: 248/09
Date: 26 October 2009

The health sector is being given a helping hand to plan and adapt for climate change with a tailored event hosted by Defra and the UK Climate Impacts Programme on November 5th.

The event is one of a series aimed at providing sectors with the guidance and tools they need, following on from the launch of Defra’s UK Climate Projections 09 earlier this year.  The cutting-edge climate change science of the Projections explores different scenarios of how a changing climate might affect the UK in the 21st century to enable organisations plan and prepare for the future.

Defra is keen to share the science and advice within the UK Climate Projections with the health sector through this tailored ‘Projections in Practice’ event.

Environment Minister Dan Norris said:

“This event offers a fantastic opportunity to learn how to use the Climate Projections to protect your organisation against the impacts of our changing climate. By coming along you will be able to gain practical, hands-on advice as well as gaining the opportunity to meet other practitioners within the sector.”

The UK Climate Projections are key to assessing the impacts that climate change will have on the delivery of health care. These include risks to public health, potential increased frequency of heatwaves, flooding, changes in water supply, overheating of buildings and risks to infrastructure.

The health sector event will:

  • Raise awareness of the UK Climate Projections and give an overview highlighting the headline messages and data;
  • Discuss adapting to climate change in relation to the health sector;
  • Illustrate how the UK Climate Projections can be used to support adaptation planning;
  • Provide access to information and resources such as maps, reports etc;
  • Highlight other sources of support and information for organisations; and
  • Offer technical training.

This free targeted event takes place on November 5 at the Royal Horticultural Halls Conference Centre. Confirmed speakers are Rob Smith, Department of Health; Chris West, UK Climate Impacts Programme; Clare Hawley, Deputy Director, Defra Adapting to Climate Change programme; and David Pencheon, NHS Sustainable Development Unit.

Notes to editors

The UK Climate Projections 09 were launched in July 2009. They detail climate change scenarios based on high, medium and low emissions pathways without mitigation measures in the UK up to the 2080s. For more information visit: http://ukcp09.defra.gov.uk

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Page published: 26 October 2009