The Copenhagen framework must have three components:

a) A scientifically-assessed and globally binding commitment to cap and reduce carbon emissions to avoid atmospheric concentrations greater than 450ppm, recognising that this target may be subject to revision in light of further scientific information.

b) A mechanism for ensuring that resources are transferred to those countries where both living standards and fossil fuel use have been low. These resources include those needed to enable population stabilisation.

c) An approach to development which, by giving people the capability of making low carbon choices, minimises green house gas emissions.

We will support actions that have these three ingredients. They are, for example, built into the 'fair shares' Contraction and Convergence framework articulated by the Global Commons Institute. If other frameworks emerge which have these three ingredients, we would support them too.

Return to Pledge

 

Ten practical actions*

  1. Inform ourselves about the basic science of climate change, the health benefits of taking action, and the urgency of doing so.
  2. Advise our patients. Better diet and more walking and cycling will improve their health and reduce their carbon emissions.
  3. Use less energy ourselves (and reduce costs) by more insulation in the roof, walls, and floors; turning off appliances and lights; and, where possible, reducing use of goods and services.
  4. Drive the car less; fly less; walk or cycle more; use public transport; drive an efficient car; share cars; hold meetings by teleconference, videoconference, or webcasting; attend fewer international conferences.
  5. Influence food menus wherever we go — ask for local food, less meat, and less processed food; a low carbon diet is a healthy diet. Drink tap water.
  6. Advocate locally, especially in primary care, to maximise home insulation and uptake of relevant grants.
  7. Advocate for personal carbon entitlements within an equitable, fair shares global framework, such as Contraction and Convergence.
  8. Advocate to stabilise population — by promoting literacy and promoting women's access to birth control, through the International Planned Parenthood Federation or Marie Stopes International.
  9. Be a champion: put climate change on the agenda of all meetings — clinical teams, committees, professional networks. Doctors can tip opinion with chairs and chief executives.
  10. Gear up your own influence and that of all health professionals by joining the Climate and Health Council or the Health and Sustainability Network, or both.

*Taken from 'Ten Practical actions for doctors to combat climate change' J Griffiths J, A Hill, J Spiby, M Gill, R Stott BMJ 2008;336:1507. Read more.

Support this
call to action

Measure your own carbon footprint