Why the climate crisis threatens our health | Nathan Hudson-Peacock | TEDxNHS

Climate change poses the biggest threat to the future of our planet. But did you know, that climate change is also a health crisis? Nathan Hudson-Peacock shares his personal journey from expedition medic to eco medic. He shows us that protecting our planet is the best preventative medicine there is; and it's easy to do. Nathan is an emergency medicine doctor, expedition doctor and climate advocate. In 2019, Nathan embarked on a prolonged expedition to a remote part of the Himalayas, where he saw the real world impacts of the climate crisis on those who are contributing the least to environmental damage. His expedition medicine interests now focus on supporting ecological and environmental research groups and he has developed a passion for sustainable healthcare, founding the non-profit organisation, Eco Medics. Nathan is a firm believer that healthcare professionals have a moral and professional duty to be leading voices and pioneers in the global response to the climate crisis, and believes that the healthcare industry as a whole has the power to catalyse the societal shifts that need to happen if there is to be any hope of halting this environmental, social and health catastrophe.

@expedition_doc

[jasminekaura]

This eloquent TED talk from Dr. Hudson-Peacock poses several challenges we will be faced with as a society due to the ramifications of climate change. As a physician, Dr. Hudson-Peacock has a unique view on the negative health effects associated with climate change. As a medical student, this makes me consider the ethical implications of climate change-namely, the impact on justice. Justice is the healthcare ethical principle that all people be treated in an equal way without prejudice or social discrimination (Lo, 2020).
Unfortunately, as mentioned in this video, climate change is already disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Individuals with a lower income, pre-existing health conditions, or belonging to a marginalized community are significantly predisposed to extreme weather, food insecurity, and exposure to infectious disease. Taking extra steps to appropriately support these populations with resources is imperative if we are to support and maintain this ethical principle of justice. This will pose a significant issue in the future as climate change worsens, because there will be an increased demand for healthcare resources. With healthcare resources already stretched thin in many countries including the UK, increased demand will only further limit access to healthcare and worsen healthcare inequality in marginalized groups.
To further the discussion on this concept of justice, as Dr. Hudson-Peacock states, promoting sustainable healthcare practices is one way to fulfill the role of healthcare professionals addressing climate change. We must also consider advocating for policies and practices to address climate change adverse impacts on health in the future. Furthermore, justice and equity must be kept in mind when considering climate change mitigation and adaptation. The needs and perspectives of all communities must be considered-ensuring that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected by climate change policies. The future of addressing the climate crisis and its ethical ramifications will require that the well-being of all populations be prioritized-especially those most vulnerable.
Sources:
AMA J Ethics. 2021;23(2):E201-203. doi: 10.1001/amajethics.2021.201.
Lo, B. (2020). Resolving Ethical Dilemmas: A Guide for Clinicians (6th edition). Wolters Kluwer.

[vannaklim]

Dr. Nathan, your presentation is very inspired. Thank you so much.

[noemieroux]

Thank you Nathan, absolutely truthful, inspiring talk. Really wish everyone would watch this.

[journalforjoy]

Absolutely loved your talk Nathan. I will be sharing this to everyone I know. One of the best explanations for being plant based I have heard. Well done. Many people think it’s just for the animals that we do it, which is a big part of it because how can we be animal lovers and eat a different animal? You wouldn’t eat your pet dog would you? It has been shown that pigs, sheep and cows equally have the capacity to learn, play and love if we give them that chance to live as free as we do. Why should we be the ones who choose how they live and die? There are so many healthy plant based options out in the market now, there is no excuse to harm and kill animals for our own enjoyment. But hopefully people listening to you’re talk will be more informed and educated that it is not only for our love for the animals and how they are treated but it is also the knock on effect, eventually, for a whole new world.

[petelonghurst]

Great talk Nathan. The knock-on effect of our naive or uneducated actions is mind blowingly staggering - and frightening to know the carbon of an 8oz steak is the equivalent of 6, 500 plastic bags.

[jennythetherapist]

Loved this talk Nathan! It’s inspiring to see a fellow health professional playing a part in ending climate crisis.

[khadijaowusu]

Fantastic TED Talk Nathan! Very informative, there is something we can all do to take action and end the climate crisis.

[kimswead]

Great talk. Will try my best to have more plant based meals!

[vcycler]

Such an admiring Speech Nathan !!!
But Plastic Bag (Single use ) has 1.58kg CO2e
Beef 100g has 15.5kg co2e (1 gram = 0.155)
8ounce of steak = 226.7g of beef Calculate 226.7 * 0.155 = 35.14 kg of Co2e
Hence 22 plastic bag * 1.58 = 34.76 (Round off 35)

Which is around 22 single time use plastic bags = 8 ounce of steak

So it is 22 single time use plastic bags and not 6500 plastic bags