Climate emergency and political will—reaching beyond human usefulness

Health professionals have warned about the impact of the climate emergency on the planet and on human health for decades. But despite these warnings carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise.1 With every year, the extent of climate breakdown worsens. Scientists recently reported that the “Earth is now well outside of the safe operating space for humanity,” as six out of nine planetary boundaries have been breached.2 Several climate tipping points relating to melting ice caps, ocean currents, permafrost regions, and deforestation are estimated to be on the brink.3 Scientists continue to call for radical action to reverse the rate of decline, but political commitment is dangerously inadequate.In clinical practice, change often comes only after people have ignored warning signs for years. It can take a catastrophic event to prompt action. The climate emergency is no different. Governments, organisations, and decision makers see the warning signs but remain reluctant to…
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