RPS President Professor Claire Anderson today joined thirty other health leaders including presidents, directors and chairs from a number of health organisations for a cycle across London to inspire action on air pollution and the wider climate crisis.

Coordinated by the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, the cycle had representatives from across healthcare including medicine, surgery, psychiatry, paediatrics, general practice, students and health editors.

The cycle is part of the global ‘Ride for Their Lives Campaign – a global campaign to protect children from the disastrous effects of air pollution and the climate crisis. Initiated and lead by paediatric healthcare professionals, it aims to inspire action on these issues and unite the voice of the world health community.

As well as the cycle, Claire took part in a panel discussion where she emphasised the role pharmacists can take in leading climate action. During the panel she also discussed some of the actions RPS have taken on sustainability including our policy work, Climate Change Charter and our recent divestment from fossil fuels.

“Climate emergency is a health emergency and it was truly inspiring to be able to join colleagues from across healthcare to emphasise this message” Claire said.

“Reflecting on the day, it really hit home to me that as well as being leaders in environmentally friendly use of medicines, we pharmacists have a wider role to play within society. We are trusted health professionals and all leaders within our communities and workplaces. Our patients listen and are influenced by us. We must use our position to educate our patients of the health risks of climate change and to inspire them to make positive change in their own use of medicines, wider healthcare and daily lives."

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