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Climate change

Children are among the most vulnerable to the health risks of climate change. See our position statement, action plan and resources produced with our working group of enthusiastic members and staff - and join us in tackling this issue.
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The impact of climate change around the world

Our report, published August 2024, shares insights from members in 50 countries on the rising threats to children’s well-being and the role of healthcare professionals.
Report
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Our eBulletin

Stay up to date with news, events and ways to get involved on climate change by signing up to our new eBulletin.

You just need to complete our short form. We'll deliver the eBulletin to your inbox every other month.
Sign up to the eBulletin
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Climate Change Working Group

This dynamic group of members delivers the College’s climate change strategy over five workstreams.
About our group
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Resources for health professionals

These can support members to become more environmentally sustainable and take action.
Explore resources
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Get involved

Speak with your council about air pollution, share resources with colleauges or write about your experiences...
Get involved
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Our action plan

Climate change action is embedded as a priority in our 2021-24 College strategy, and we have six ambitions to drive our activity.
See action plan
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Young people's voices

A podcast from the 'Climate Changers' group with RCPCH &Us, featuring interviews from the CCWG and young activists in Ghana!
Listen to podcast
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Achieving Net Zero at RCPCH

Read our environmental policy and about our journey on making the College a net zero organisation by 2040.
About our journey

The impact of climate change on global child health - our position statement

Download this 'at a glance' poster
Read full position statement

Our five workstreams

Advocating for change
Research
Support for members
College building and resources
International
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Child health inequalities

We looked at the unequal exposure to the effects of climate change in the UK, including the capacity to adapt, food security and eco distress. Our toolkit supports paediatricians to take action.
Position statement and toolkit
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Air pollution in the UK

Outdoor and indoor air pollution poses a serious threat to children's health, contributing to adverse health outcomes. Our position statement (2024) reviews the evidence and calls for urgent policy measures.
Position statement
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Indoor air quality

Children spend much of their lives indoors, and the health impact of the air within our homes and schools must be taken seriously. Our report (2020) is based on a systematic review of the science of indoor pollution.
Report

Latest news and articles on climate change

More
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Announcement
19 November 2024

RCPCH and global paediatric associations call on COP to prioritise child health

Yesterday, global leaders were due to discuss international action on climate and health at COP29’s Health Day. To mark this, RCPCH has issued a letter to the COP29 President and global leadership urging the prioritisation of child health in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
RCPCH Podcasts with waveform, and photos of Dr Rashmi D'Souza and Heather Watson
Podcast
16 October 2024

Child health and climate change episode 3: Nepal

In this final episode of our podcast series on the changing climate, this mountainous country is seeing extreme temperature fluctuations, landslides and air pollution, endangering communities and impacting healthcare. But, there are some lessons around adaptation, as our guests who work or have volu...

Blogs on Medium

What do the COP26 negotiations mean for children and young people’s health?
The climate crisis is a child rights crisis
How does air pollution affect children and young people?
This #CleanAirDay, how can we protect children’s health?