Global health organisations urge G20 leaders to prioritise health and environment challenges in plans for post-COVID economic recovery

G20 country leaders have today been urged to prioritise greener healthcare as they develop post-COVID 19 economic recovery plans. PCRS have co-signed a letter coordinated by the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) and supported by the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC) that asks G20 leaders to consider the relationship between climate and health as well as address health system resilience, underinvestment and health inequalities as the world emerges from the COVID 19 pandemic.

Pre-COVID 19, air pollution was estimated to account for seven million premature deaths each year as well as increasing the risk for developing chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If levels of air and environmental pollution are not addressed, the numbers of deaths and the burden of chronic respiratory illness will increase placing unmanageable pressures on healthcare systems worldwide.

Ensuring healthcare systems operate under robust ‘greener healthcare’ principles and ensuring patients receive the best care available under a system that minimises the impact on the environment is a key goal of the PCRS. Our position statement on environmental issues in respiratory healthcare outlines our dedication to ensuring respiratory healthcare delivered at the primary care level meets patient needs and optimises their health and long-term outcomes while minimising the impact on the environment.

You can access the PCRS dedicated Covid 19 webpage for the latest information advice and helpful links.