“Climate Change, Health and Faith – Calling Christians in Medicine” by Dr Graham McAll

Christians all over the world are involved in the planning, provision and utilization of health care. All Christians, healthcare providers included, make day to day decisions which affect their environment, and it is now clear that the effects we have on our environment are no longer local or regional, but are global and affecting ‘neighbours’ in distant continents.

Climate change is emerging as one of the biggest threats to human health. It is imperative that the world's health communities grasp what this may mean for their populations and how health service delivery may prevent, ameliorate or adapt to climate change. Whilst climate change is a threat to health in many ways, it may also be an opportunity for changes that can improve health as lifestyles and services adapt to a low carbon economy.

According to The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 report, there are expected to be multiple effects of climate change on health: 'Human beings are exposed to climate change through changing weather patterns (for example, more intense and frequent extreme events) and indirectly through changes in water, air, food quality and quantity, ecosystems, agriculture, and economy. At this early stage the effects are small but are projected to progressively increase in all countries and regions.' Apart from the direct physical effects of climate change (heat waves, floods, fires, storms and drought) other health issues will include coping with migration, and changing patterns of infectious diseases, malnutrition, allergies, cardiovascular disease and others. Across the world it is known that the elderly, the young, the poor and those living in coastal areas will be more at risk.

Christians are uniquely placed to respond because we believe that we are tenants of God’s earth which He loves and are responsible to Him for how we care for it and each other.  We also believe that ‘Thy kingdom come on earth’ is a call for us to be signs of resurrection life here and now as we witness by word and work to Jesus Christ. Christians in healthcare can take a very special lead because of this hope and the confidence we have that Jesus Christ can transform us.

I will introduce the nature of the health problems and why they are happening, with an emphasis on issues for South East Asia. I will share examples of the responses of health professionals in different parts of the world. I will explore the challenge these pose to Christians.