Doctors' eco role
Friday, 30 Nov 2007 12:17
Doctors should work against climate change, editorial says
As the harmful impact of climate change becomes increasingly apparent calls have been made for doctors to help reduce global warming.
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned earlier this year that global temperatures are likely to rise between 1.8C (3.2F) and 4C (7.2F) before the end of the century.
It also predicted that sea levels will rise by between 28cm and 43cm across the world, compared to a forecast rise of 9cm to 88cm six years ago.
Scientists say this change will bring more dramatic weather, increased flooding, the death of some species and widespread migration from once-habitable areas.
In December world leaders will gather in Bali for a United Nations conference on climate change to lay the groundwork for a new strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2012 when the Kyoto treaty expires.
But in the British Medical Journal a number of leading figures in the medical profession argue that doctors as well as policymakers have a duty to help the environment.
They say that a duty to protect and promote the health of the public should extend to preventing climate change.
inthenews.co.uk brings you all the key responses and comment on the issue throughout the day.
