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Environmental health should be central to climate adaptation
Record heat, drought and wildfires expose risks to health and housing as CIEH says environmental health must be central to climate adaptation planning
From overheating homes and care settings to food safety, water quality and air pollution, EHPs play a growing role managing climate-related risks to public health
Environmental health expertise should be built into climate adaptation planning at local, regional and national level, CIEH has said. Its call comes as the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) investigates how the UK should adapt to climate change, following a summer of record heat, drought and wildfires.
The EAC launched its inquiry in early September. It is examining the UK's preparedness for climate risks and whether the government is doing enough to improve resilience, including in health and water infrastructure.
The committee said nearly three-quarters of England and Wales had experienced drought this summer, while 23,000 hectares had been destroyed by major wildfires. It also highlighted Climate Change Committee projections that by 2050, 92% of existing homes could be at risk of overheating.
CIEH said environmental health professionals had an important role to play in addressing the health impacts of these risks, including overheating in homes, schools and care settings; food safety during extreme temperatures; water quality during drought and flooding; pests and vectors; and air quality.
“As climate impacts become more pronounced, environmental health expertise will be increasingly needed.”
“Climate change is not a distant environmental issue,” said Joan Walley, Vice President, CIEH. “It is already affecting the health, homes and wellbeing of people and communities across the UK. As climate impacts become more pronounced, environmental health expertise will be increasingly needed.”
Walley added: “EHPs already play a vital role in working with local authorities, businesses and communities to develop practical adaptation measures that reduce risks before they become public health emergencies, and this must be harnessed as we look ahead to an uncertain future.”
The impact of extreme heat on health and care services was highlighted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) this month. A survey of 2,471 nursing staff in England and Wales found that 74% had little or no confidence that the government was doing enough to protect health and care services from the impacts of climate change. Staff reported patients deteriorating in temperatures above 30°C, while one children's ward reached 44°C.
Professor Nicola Ranger, General Secretary and Chief Executive, RCN said, “The reality is that climate change is here, but long-term underinvestment in our health and care services has left them so unprepared.”
The RCN is calling for investment in cooling systems across hospitals, care homes and other health and care settings before next summer.
CIEH said environmental health professionals could help identify and manage climate-related risks across housing, food, water and wider public health. Its statement was issued ahead of World Environmental Health Day, which took place on 26th September, and this year focused on climate change and environmental health.
The EAC is accepting written evidence to its climate adaptation inquiry until 21st October 2026.
