ABSTRACT
Throughout this book, we demonstrate the clear definition of the links between
climate change and health. We argue that change really is possible wherever
and whenever we live, work and play – and that everybody in society has a part
to play. We recognize the critical role of national and local government and
international agencies. Their roles have constraints because governments have
to balance and act on a range of competing interests, which are increasingly
global. The financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 demonstrated how fragile global
systems can be, but the interdependence and interconnectedness of countries’
economies have also offered new opportunities for leadership and shown that
governments can choose, if they wish, to implement solutions that previously
seemed improbable. Influencing governments in the face of these pressures
can be quite a challenge – but as Part II of the book suggests, there are many
ways in which health practitioners can influence change at national and inter-
national levels through our everyday practice and through joining with others
to advocate collectively.
