Health is key in tackling climate change, says minister Health secretary Andy Burnham has called on health professionals around the world to recognise the dangers of climate change for people's wellbeing.

Speaking at the launch of a new report yesterday (November 25th), Mr Burnham argued that health should be the focus of the fight against global warming.

"Climate change can seem a distant, impersonal threat - in fact, the associated costs to health are a very real and present danger," he said.

"Health ministers across the globe must act now to highlight the risk global warming poses to the health of our communities. We need well-designed climate change policies that drive health benefits."

The report outlines how measures to reduce the nation's carbon footprint can help improve people's lives.

According to the document, the transition to a low-carbon transport system could ease the effects of air pollution on the country's health and installing more efficient insulation could prevent deaths from extreme cold and heat.

Mr Burnham's comments were made just weeks before the crucial Copenhagen climate change conference, which takes place next month.

http://tiny.cc/MiIri
ADNFCR-1235-ID-19480167-ADNFCR