Climate and Health

This report is published in collaboration between the Swedish Medical Association, the Swedish Association of Senior Hospital Physicians, Swedish Doctors for the Environment, the Swedish Society of Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Region Västerbotten, the Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine Stockholm County Council, the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at University of Gothenburg Sahlgrenska Academy Institute of Medicine and AirClim (the Air Pollution and Climate Secretariat).

The measures that are most effective in reducing climate impact also contribute to better health, thus creating a “win-win” situation. The aim of this report is therefore to highlight measures that can significantly reduce the risk of serious climate change and improve human health at the same time. In particular, it draws attention to the health impacts of burning fossil fuels, and the health benefits of reducing meat consumption. We outline the causes of climate change and summarise current scientific literature on how a changing climate will affect public health unless effective measures are taken, first and foremost to reduce temperature rise, and to prepare for a warmer climate. We also intend to present possible measures that can be taken in the healthcare sector to reduce climate impacts