The environment has a big impact on our mental and physical health. Climate emergency is one of the most significant threats to our population locally and globally.

This year’s director of public health report highlights the health impacts of climate change and the positive benefits of climate action for individuals, families and communities.

Five key areas

There are five key areas of the climate emergency with implications for our health: 

• Temperature
• Air
• Water
• Food
• Nature

The actions to improve climate health also immediately improve our health and the health of others, as well as the long-term environmental benefits.

This means better health for everyone – whether we are talking about newborn babies, children, teenagers, working-age adults or older people. 

The impact of climate change on individuals will vary, with the worst effects on disadvantaged and more vulnerable populations, and without necessary action, this will further widen health inequalities.

Connected strategy

This report shows how important a connected health, wellbeing and climate strategy is in Oxfordshire. There is a clear link between healthier, happier communities and sustained climate action, and it is time we made the most of this opportunity. 

This report raises awareness of the immediate and longer-term health benefits of local climate action. It aims to maximise these health benefits in every climate action, policy and strategy undertaken across the county.  

Previous reports

• Director of Public Health Annual Report – 2022/23 (Technical report) 
• Director of Public Health Annual Report – 2021/22 (Technical Report) (odt format, 307Kb)
• Director of Public Health Annual Report – 2020/21 (Technical report)