Date of the report
March 2015
Author of the report
Environment Agency, NHS Sustainable Development Unit, and Department of Health
Purpose of the report
The aim of this toolkit is to assist Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs) in integrating climate change adaptation into the local health economy. It also highlights how Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNA) and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWS) can be used to achieve this aim for the benefit of communities. This document, now in a revised second edition, focuses on adaptation measures available at the local level, and opportunities for Health and Wellbeing Boards to improve people’s health, reduce the burden of disease on the system, and save money through preventative action. What the toolkit will offer: 1. Illustrate how adaptation to climate change can enhance health and wellbeing and how existing strategies can be adapted at a local level to increase the resilience of people, services and communities to a changing climate 2. Provide HWBs with tools to take action and embed adaptation in their commissioning plans, and demonstrate how this can improve the health of the local population 3. Clarify the urgency in addressing climate change adaptation within HWBs 4. Demonstrate how communities can adapt to changing climate and improve resilience at a local level, whilst reducing the health inequalities associated with a changing climate.
What SWM liked
SWM likes that this publication aims to help all bodies connected with the health sector to adapt to a changing climate. It looks at all elements of the health sector, including the NHS, Local Authorities and HWBs. It also focuses on who may be affected by the impacts of severe weather and helps the health sector to develop strategies and provide assistance to those who need it most. The greatest success about this document is that it is simple and easy to use and provides step by step guidance to health practitioners in order to ensure climate adaptation is incorporated into their existing health practices.
Links and contact information
The toolkit is available to download here. Please contact enquiries@swm.org.uk for more information.
