Sustainability News

COP 29 has just finished and once again the warnings about the negative impact of climate change on global health are loud and clear. According to the world Health Organisation, between 2030 and 2050, there will be an additional 250,000 deaths per year due to heat stress, malnutrition and vector-borne diseases such as malaria along with indirect effects such as food and water scarcity, and reduced air quality cardiovascular illnesses due to poor air quality. 

The UK Health Security Agency reflects this in their work. Although the UK may not be as hard hit as other countries, direct effects like rising temperatures and increased flooding, to indirect consequences such as food and water scarcity, and reduced air quality are anticipated. 

What does this mean for care homes? Although the pressures on the sector are enormous, particularly financial, we can’t ignore this longer-term issue. Steps to both adapt to increased temperatures, increased flooding incidents, and mitigate by reducing our carbon footprint need to be embedded in our business strategy and operations now. We can all take small actions now and over time build to a more climate resilient sector. If you are not sure what steps to take, have a look at the DCHC Greener Care Guide.