The Royal College of Physicians: Navigating the Intersection of Climate and Health

In a dimly lit conference room, Dr. Sarah Thompson, an oncologist based in London, reflects on a patient encounter that haunts her. “Last summer, I had a patient whose cancer treatment was complicated by extreme heat,” she recalls. “He didn’t understand the connection between climate change and his health woes. That moment made me realize how unprepared we are to discuss these realities.” Such sentiments echo across the United Kingdom, as findings from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) highlight a growing concern about climate change among healthcare professionals.

A Snapshot of Climate Awareness in Healthcare

Between June 2 and June 14, 2025, the RCP conducted its second snapshot survey, drawing responses from 490 UK physicians to examine their understanding of climate change and its implications for health. Notably, 75% of respondents expressed concern about climate change’s effects on their patients. While these statistics portray a profession increasingly aware of environmental impacts, they also reveal troubling hesitations in knowledge and practice.

Physicians’ Perspectives on Sustainability

• Concern for Environmental Impact: A significant 69% of physicians reported being very or somewhat concerned about the environmental ramifications of their clinical practices.
• Role of Sustainability: Over half (61%) of the respondents indicated they consider sustainability in their clinical decision-making.
• Barriers to Action: Notably, the most frequently cited barriers for those who did not incorporate environmental considerations included a lack of training and time, coupled with insufficient organizational support.

Dr. Ian Patel, a public health expert at the University of Edinburgh, emphasizes that “ethical considerations in medicine are evolving to encompass environmental sustainability. It is pivotal for healthcare education to adapt accordingly.” However, the survey revealed that 20% of physicians felt indifferent, neither showing concern nor a lack thereof about their environmental impact.

Moving Towards Climate-Conscious Actions

The RCP’s snapshot also explored how actively physicians are implementing sustainable practices within their workspaces. Findings indicate practitioners are engaging with initiatives from the 2024 Green Physician Toolkit:

• 67% of respondents switched from IV to oral antibiotics when appropriate.
• 65% offered remote consultations to limit carbon footprints.
• 31% utilized a “think twice, check twice, order once” framework to minimize unnecessary tests.

However, 40% expressed challenges, predominantly due to time constraints and insufficient workplace support. “We have all the tools at our disposal, but without institutional back-up, it’s like swimming upstream,” lamented Dr. Emily Johnson, an internal medicine specialist and advocate for sustainable healthcare.

Readiness for Extreme Weather Events

As climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, the role of physicians is growing more complex. The survey revealed that over half of physicians—58%—feel their workplaces are not prepared for extreme weather impacts. This sentiment is alarming, especially when considering the health risks associated with heatwaves, flooding, and poor air quality.

Patient Engagement and Communication

• Confidence Levels: Only 58% of physicians feel confident advising patients about health risks related to extreme weather.
• Patient Discussions: A staggering 76% reported never having discussed the health effects of climate change with a patient.

This gap in communication underscores a crucial barrier in patient care. “If we don’t educate our patients about the environmental factors affecting their health, we’re failing them,” stated Dr. Lara Chen, a rural health advocate. Her observations support findings from a study published in the Journal of Climate and Health, highlighting how patient engagement can substantially enhance health outcomes during climate-related crises.

Organizational Preparedness

Operational readiness is essential to ensure patient safety. The overwhelming number of physicians expressing concerns about being unprepared for extreme weather events raises questions about healthcare systems’ resilience. “We need metrics that account for climate-related vulnerabilities in health systems,” asserts Dr. Thomas Williams, a health policy researcher. He advocates for integrating climate-responsive strategies into organizational frameworks.

Physicians are evidently on a journey toward greater awareness and action regarding climate change. However, seamless integration into clinical practice remains a challenge laden with institutional and educational gaps. As these healthcare providers consider their role in a warming world, the RCP’s findings illuminate both the progress made and the road that lies ahead.

In the face of these challenges, Dr. Thompson’s experience encapsulates a broader struggle within the medical community: while climate change is increasingly recognized as a determinant of health, the conversation between physicians and patients is still largely muted. For many physicians, including Dr. Thompson, the pressing question remains: How do we bridge this gap to ensure that patients are informed and prepared for the health risks posed by a changing climate?

Source: www.rcp.ac.uk