Meeting documents

To receive the report.

The Board was informed that the annual theme for the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is Climate Change -the Impact on Health.

The Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board:

·         Endorsed the report,

·         Agreed to use the evidence to respond to climate change in Somerset,

·         Agreed to use the evidence to promote the complementary benefits of carbon reduction and public health, and

·         Agreed to incorporate appropriate performance indicators from the Somerset Climate Strategy into the monitoring of ‘Improving Lives’, notably in active travel, housing and planning, access to the natural environment, food and farming, and flood risk

The Board was informed that the annual theme for the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is Climate Change -the Impact on Health. Somerset is fortunate to have a safe range of temperatures and the risk is greater in the lower temperature ranges rather than the higher ones, however the impact of water is more significant.  The combination of wetter winters and rising sea levels is likely to increase the frequency of flooding. Somerset includes the low-lying Levels and Moors, where some flooding occurs every winter. In 2013, an area of 65km2 was flooded for over two months, with 280 homes inundated. The long-lasting health impact, especially in anxiety and depression for the residents affected, is well known. The blocking of road and rail links also hindered the provision of services.  The most valuable preparation is the development of strong, cohesive communities able to provide support to each other at very short notice – often before the emergency services can arrive.

To mitigate climate change, the reduction of carbon emissions requires considerable behaviour change, a large proportion of which also has positive benefits for health. Making such change requires determination and leadership, and the health impacts may help ‘sell’ the transformation required. Examples include:

·         Housing

Fuel poverty is a concern for about 10% of Somerset households. Better insulation, so that less carbon-emitting energy is needed to heat them can keep housing warmer more efficiently. Housing improvements for many will also need to include better ventilation and shading to reduce excessive summer heat.

·         Active travel

Walking and cycling provide exercise, sometimes described as a ‘miracle cure’ for ill health. Reducing vehicular traffic strengthens communities, supports local shops, and improves air quality. Improving the infrastructure for active travel, such as traffic calming and cycle storage, can have positive feedback effects as the public feels safer walking and cycling. Replacing internal combustion engines with vehicles using electricity from renewable sources improves some aspects of air quality but does not have the other co-benefits.

·         Food

The majority of the Somerset population would benefit from a diet with a higher proportion of vegetables, especially fresh vegetables. A food system based on local production, with a limited intake of meat (no more than 70g/day according to NICE guidance) could have health benefits as well as reducing the production of the most potent greenhouse gases such as methane from livestock. This, though, sits in a highly complex network of relationships between land use, diet and farming practices, and cannot be reduced to a simple recommendation.

The JSNA considers how economic prosperity and environmental sustainability can be maintained without having adverse impacts on health. It was argued that vibrant communities are both a contributor to and a ‘co-beneficiary’ of the response to the climate emergency. The report identified areas of Somerset and population groups most at risk from the climate emergency. In particular, the report considered how environmental sustainability and healthier lives can be addressed together.

The Board discussed the presentation and report. The Board sought reassurance that consultations did include the Drainage Board and Somerset Rivers Authority. They were assured they were and that this strategy that what was being discussed was the health element of the overarching strategy for Somerset that does take account of the activities of all relevant Boards and Authorities.

The Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board:

·         Endorsed the report,

·         Agreed to use the evidence to respond to climate change in Somerset,

·         Agreed to use the evidence to promote the complementary benefits of carbon reduction and public health, and

·         To incorporate appropriate performance indicators from the Somerset Climate Strategy into the monitoring of ‘Improving Lives’, notably in: active travel, housing and planning, access to the natural environment, food and farming, and flood risk