Review: ii "Climate Change and the People's Health"

Climate Change and the People's Health

You could read this excellent little book in a couple of hours, but me being me ...

Part of a Series of 'Small Books, Big Ideas' in population health this is an important and timely text of a type that sadly will need to be a constant stream. Constant, not only to keep the message and issue in people's consciousness, but to update the research of a still new interdisciplinary field. Not only that but some sense (measure) of the socio-economic-political state must be realised to identify change (progress). This small book argues for the big change in attitudes, behaviours and systems that must follow.

The book prompts me to imagine the day (whether or not in my future) when the media can report on the gradual reverse of climate change? We have heard of positive changes in the size and behaviour of the Antarctic ozone layer for example; only for progress to be challenged once again. It is not enough to hope for our children, their children ...  and the biosphere of Earth.

The book has just three chapters in 146 pages; 188 pages including the references and index. The 'small' quality relates not only to page number but a hardback size of 18 x 15 cms, such that my copy has been on tour (petrol car and alone) over the summer. A Forward by Nancy Krieger refers to the book series as a whole and points to the political dimensions and how inevitably practitioners must be part of this 'game'. Not just what we oppose but what people stand for. The dynamism in this field is apparent in the reference to expressed opposition alone given rise to despair. This book is very current (2019) but 'eco-anxiety' did not make the index, such is the pace of events (Greta Thunberg). This is not a criticism but speaks of the dynamism and hope that action can (and must) bring as Krieger writes. The fact of this being a political struggle is acknowledged by Friel in the conclusion.

This is not just important but critical. You should never generalise and many nurses (for example) are politically very literate and Active. They seek to protect, sustain and improve the values, the health and health care systems they hold dear. Many other nurses focus on the 'job' of caring. The thought follows that while politics starts in the staff-room and rota; the Politics begins in the ward office and the various meetings and committees. They conclude that they'll leave that to others. For all healthcare workers we can no longer take this stance. Population health demands a population response.

To be continued (of course you don't have to wait to obtain your copy - this is essential reading):

Chapter 1. Climate Change, Global Justice, and Health Inequities

Chapter 2. It's a Consumptagenic World: Producing Climate Change, Exacerbating Health Inequities

Chapter 3. Challenges and Future Prospects


Friel, S. (2019) Climate Change and the People's Health, Oxford University Press, New York