On 17th June as part of the Climate Coalition's Mass Lobby of MPs, doctors and nurses gathered in Westminster to urge legislators to take serious action on climate change. This vibrant event of active democracy enabled at least 250 MPs to spend time listening to their constituent’s concerns about climate change. Clive Lewis MP said, “Westminster feels so alive today, this has generated energy around this issue”.
Alongside nurses and nurse educators, the Royal College of Nursing were pleased to participate. Peter Carter, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the RCN said "Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our world and the RCN fully supports all of its members taking part in today’s event. Climate change and high carbon emissions are already having an impact on public health across the world as well as in the UK".
This was the first of a range of climate and health events. Also on 17th nurses gathered for what was possibly the first open meeting on climate change to take place at the RCN. In a meeting not short on ideas, Mark Platt and Rose Gallagher from the College talked through possible options including an event, divestment from fossil fuels, the formulation of an RCN climate change group and the motion going to the RCN’s Congress on 23rd June. June (23rd) will also see the launch of a report by the UCL/Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change.
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