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Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Europe Launches New Climate Change and Health Commission
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new European commission aimed at providing health sector solutions to what it called one of the defining health challenges of our time: climate change. The Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH) is an independent advisory group convened by WHO Europe that brings together 11 commissioners from across the region, with Sir Andrew Haines of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as the chief scientific advisor. The commission will deliver recommendations that address the intersection of health and climate. At a press briefing today in Reykjavík, Iceland, PECCH chair, former Icelandic Prime Minister Her Excellency Katrín Jakobsdóttir said that although climate change has been a big issue in global politics for decades, not enough has been done. 'We've seen too many reports and not enough action,' she said. 'I know it's difficult to implement policy on climate change, [but] we will be focused on what actually can be done. I'm optimistic that we will deliver concrete recommendations.' At the Epicenter of Climate Change Europe is the fastest warming continent in the world, with 2024 the warmest year on record, according to the European Environment Agency. Extreme weather events have caused up to 145,000 deaths across Europe in the past 40 years, with a majority caused by heatwaves. The changing climate also continues to alter the distribution of disease vectors, with the expansion of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, and to impact food systems, water quality, and ecosystems. Despite the growing threat posed by climate change, action — including within the health sector — remains inadequate to match the level of response required. PECCH will attempt to address the health impacts of climate change by determining interconnected health risks and opportunities for health improvement through adaptation and mitigation strategies, identifying gaps in government actions and policies, recommending strategies for action, increasing awareness on the role of health in climate policy, and advising the WHO. Will Words Translate to Actions? Professor of health systems research at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia and founding director of the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Jeffrey Braithwaite, PhD, told Medscape Medical News he believed the new commission holds a lot of promise. Jeffrey Braithwaite, PhD 'It seems designed to help raise more awareness, with some jurisdictions, companies and institutions flagging a bit under the weight of disinformation,' said Braithwaite, who is past president of the International Society for Quality in Health Care. 'The US, under the current White House, is of course hostile to the climate change agenda, so a lot of heavy political lifting and keeping the agenda for change going will fall to Europe.' Professor of population and planetary health at the University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia, Lynne Madden, MBBS, MPH, MSc, said addressing climate change and health requires a systems approach to a very complex problem. Lynne Madden, MBBS, MPH, MSc 'It appears that the commission is planning to take a systems approach and look at the interconnected global and regional risks to health to form recommendations to achieve a health net zero emission future. This is encouraging,' she told Medscape Medical News . 'Europe is probably the region most likely to make a commission like this work. What we don't need is more meetings that produce informed statements but very little real action that tackles climate change and its health effects. The big question is: Beyond the rhetoric, will the commission be able to do anything now that hasn't been done before to make national governments take meaningful action to halt climate change?' She added that it was critical to increase the climate resilience of healthcare systems, commit to delivering net zero healthcare and preferably zero carbon healthcare, develop the climate health capacity of healthcare workforces, and ensure the education of health professionals on the health impacts of climate change and give them the competency to take action, including eliminating the delivery of unnecessary healthcare. Healthcare's Huge Carbon Footprint Others agreed it was time for the health sector to step up and to take accountability and action for its own carbon footprint, with the sector contributing roughly 5% of global emissions — more than all commercial air travel. Kayvan Shokrollahi, MBBS, MSc, LLM 'Healthcare has a major impact on the environment, and it is one area where we see simultaneous cost savings along with most sustainability interventions. I like this because there is less tension, and politics can align better with 'this will save money and help the environment' rather than 'this will cost money,'' Kayvan Shokrollahi, MBBS, MSc, LLM, consultant plastic and laser surgeon and honorary clinical professor at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, told Medscape Medical News . He recently conducted a carbon footprint study of his burn center to identify aspects of burn care that contribute most to the carbon footprint and wastage and to explore interventions to help reduce waste. He and his colleagues found that hospitals and surgical clinics are the second largest waste contributors in the UK, generating more than 6600 tons of waste per day. Current waste disposal practices such as incineration, landfilling, and sterilization post environmental threats. At the same time, up to 1 billion liters of water a year are wasted by running taps across the NHS pumping network to flush Pseudomonas and Legionella in the absence of other alternative solutions. 'Our research demonstrated a rough extrapolation of £2 million of savings from reduced plastic waste from one intervention whilst also saving 150 tons of CO 2 . Progress in healthcare sustainability is a case of implementing large numbers of simple cumulative interventions, not one big one.' Braithwaite cited his and his colleagues' recent systematic review on strategies and tactics that could be used to reduce the impact of healthcare on climate change, of which they developed a framework to support the decarbonization of healthcare systems. Such strategies included changing clinical and surgical practices, reducing physical waste, and enabling change through actions of individuals and groups. Looking forward, the PECCH will engage with representatives from other regions to work together on shared solutions. Its final recommendations for health and climate action will be presented during the World Health Assembly next May.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK's busiest train station reveals new multi-million renovation with huge grand terminal and outdoor gardens
The iconic station is in need of a high-tech revamp to ease congestion RAIL REVIVAL UK's busiest train station reveals new multi-million renovation with huge grand terminal and outdoor gardens THE UK's busiest train station is set to receive a stunning multimillion-pound revamp - which will include a grand terminal and outside gardens. London Liverpool Street connects over 100 million people annually - and this new renovation is set to improve passenger experience for years to come. 4 A groundbreaking revamp is set to transform Liverpool Street station Credit: Network Rail 4 The new station will cater over 200 million passengers for the decades ahead Credit: Network Rail 4 The new open aesthetic will make the station more spacious Credit: Network Rail Incredible concept photos showed what the state-of-the-art station would look like once the face-lift is complete. They included cutting-edge architectural feats such as new pedestrian routes, bold station interiors, a picturesque balcony and a stylish entrance. The groundbreaking plans for the new upgrade will make the station future-proofed and ready to accommodate over 200 million people for the decades ahead, according to Network Rail. Their application to give the iconic station a colossal transformation has recently been approved by City of London. The new vision will see the station become more spacious, better connected between its different lines, and much more accessible. Chief Executive of Network Rail, Sir Andrew Haines, said: 'The station proposed in this application is absolutely what London needs. "An accessible, inclusive, world-class multi-modal transport gateway to the heart of London - designed to serve the City, all Londoners, and everyone who travels through it." The historic station is in much need of an upgrade, as since the last major renovation, its passenger numbers have tripled. There is a lack of step-free access and the basic facilities can make transport difficult. It is also plagued by heavy congestion at peak times. Science and Industry museum manchester Long and windy passages can also confuse travellers trying to get from one line to another within the huge station. The much-needed revamp is set to alleviate these issues while giving Liverpool Street a stylish and modern aesthetic. London's Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: 'Network Rail's vision for the station gives us an opportunity to work together to provide the excellent levels of customer satisfaction we want everyone to experience as they travel across our networks. "We welcome that these plans include a comprehensive step-free solution for those using the Underground. He added: "At the heart of these plans is an unshakeable commitment to safety, top-tier performance, and delivering a transport system for London that is not only efficient, but environmentally sustainable." The revolutionary scheme will also help boost long-term economic growth across the City of London. According to Network Rail, the station's transformation could increase the City of London economy by up to £4.6billion per year. This would come thanks to increased visitor numbers and a small tax change which would draw in more cash. Liverpool Street station opened i n 1875 and ever since it has grown in parallel with London's iconic Square mile. Network Rail said: "It is essential that the station is modernised to meet the demands of a 21st-century transport network and continue supporting the economic vitality of both London and the wider UK."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
UK's busiest train station reveals new multi-million renovation with huge grand terminal and outdoor gardens
THE UK's busiest train station is set to receive a stunning multimillion-pound revamp - which will include a grand terminal and outside gardens. London Liverpool Street connects over 100 million people annually - and this new renovation is set to improve Advertisement 4 A groundbreaking revamp is set to transform Liverpool Street station Credit: Network Rail 4 The new station will cater over 200 million passengers for the decades ahead Credit: Network Rail 4 The new open aesthetic will make the station more spacious Credit: Network Rail Incredible concept photos showed what the state-of-the-art station would look like once the face-lift is complete. They included cutting-edge architectural feats such as new pedestrian routes, bold station interiors, a picturesque balcony and a stylish entrance. The Their application to give the iconic London . Advertisement read more travel news The new vision will see the Chief Executive of Network Rail, Sir Andrew Haines, said: 'The station proposed in this application is absolutely what London needs. "An accessible, inclusive, world-class multi-modal transport gateway to the heart of London - designed to serve the City, all Londoners, and everyone who travels through it." The historic station is in much need of an upgrade, as since the last major renovation, its passenger numbers have tripled. Advertisement Most read in News Travel There is a lack of step-free access and the basic facilities can make transport difficult. It is also plagued by heavy congestion at peak times. Science and Industry museum manchester Long and windy passages can also confuse travellers trying to get from one line to another within the huge station. The much-needed revamp is set to alleviate these issues while giving Liverpool Street a stylish and modern aesthetic. Advertisement London's Transport Commissioner Andy Lord said: 'Network Rail's vision for the station gives us an opportunity to work together to provide the excellent levels of customer satisfaction we want everyone to experience as they travel across our networks. "We welcome that these plans include a comprehensive step-free solution for those using the Underground. He added: "At the heart of these plans is an unshakeable commitment to safety, top-tier performance, and delivering a transport system for London that is not only efficient, but environmentally sustainable." The revolutionary scheme will also help boost long-term economic growth across the City of London. Advertisement According to Network Rail, the station's transformation could increase the City of London economy by up to £4.6billion per year. This would come thanks to increased visitor numbers and a small tax change which would draw in more cash. Liverpool Street station opened i n 1875 and ever since it has grown in parallel with London's iconic Square mile. Network Rail said: "It is essential that the station is modernised to meet the demands of a 21st-century transport network and continue supporting the economic vitality of both London and the wider UK." Advertisement 4 A grand new entrance has been revealed Credit: Network Rail
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Andrew Ranger MP shares update on transport in North Wales
MP for Wrexham In the House of Commons last week, I asked the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander for her assessment of the adequacy of the performance of rail services operating from North Wales. Her response was, 'Despite recent improvements, the performance of Avanti West Coast services in North Wales is still not good enough. "Poor Network Rail infrastructure reliability also remains an issue. North Wales and its surrounding regions have such huge potential, and so I'm actively engaged with the Welsh Government on plans to create a transport system that meets the needs of all our communities and delivers economic growth.' There is acknowledgement by the UK Government that Wales has been underfunded in terms of rail infrastructure for decades. It will take time to reset this. We await the decision by Network Rail and the Office for Road and Rail about the reinstatement of a frequent direct service from Wrexham to London via Shrewsbury. I am working with other MPs to support this bid which has tangible economic benefits for the communities along the route. We recently wrote to Sir Andrew Haines, Chief Executive of Network Rail, to endorse WSMR's (Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway) application. Furthermore, the spending review next month should bring news of the Wrexham to Bidston Line as well as the North Wales mainline across to Holyhead. I have consistently argued for the importance of these projects at Welsh Affairs Select Committee and in the Commons Chamber. Transport connectivity is vital to economic growth as I outlined during the election campaign last year. Our connection with the North-West of England therefore means any decisions regarding Crewe and Liverpool for example, will have a direct impact on Wrexham. I view transport as opportunity and improvements to rail have been a particular focus for me since I was elected. Transport is essential for tourism, something which we are experiencing a significant increase in here in Wrexham. It also enables access to employment and access to education which leads to prosperity of our area but also a knock-on effect to the rest of North Wales and into North West England. Along with a number of other stakeholders, I will be attending the Transport for Wales Public Transport Summit in Wrexham later this week. It brings together transport and business leaders from Wales and England to explore how economic prosperity can be supported by improvements to public transport. As ever, if you have any queries or concerns or you have an issue that you would like me to try and assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01978 788854 or
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
QuickCheck: Was there a real, medicinal snake oil?
FOR decades, the term 'snake oil' has come to mean something worthless that has been promised to be a cure-all; it is a term synonymous with fake or fraudulent medicine that does not do as advertised. Indeed, the term came about in the 19th Century and the first two decades of the 20th century because of products proclaimed to contain 'snake oil' that when tested were found to contain nothing from a snake at all – what more their fats or other oils. That said, it has also been claimed that the oil of some snakes actually has medicinal properties and that it is this that led to people latching on to create these fake 'snake oil' products. Is this true? VERDICT: TRUE It might come as a shock to some, but there is a historical basis that led to the creation of the fake snake oils that coined the term as we know it today. This was outlined in a 2015 article in the official journal of The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in the United Kingdom by Andrew Haines, who linked it to Chinese labourers brought into the United States in the 1840s to work on constructing the Transcontinental Railroad. 'They would almost certainly have brought with them oil from the Chinese water-snake (Laticauda semifasciata, black-banded sea krait), which in traditional Chinese medicine has been used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat arthritis, bursitis and other joint pains,' says Haines. He adds in his article in The Pharmaceutical Journal that these labourers may have helped their fellow workers out by offering snake oil to them as relief after long days of back-breaking work. However, would this oil have actually had any medical benefit? According to Haines, the answer is yes. 'Modern-day research suggests that Chinese water-snake oil may indeed have health benefits because of its high content of omega-3 fatty acids. In 1989, an analysis of snake oil bought in San Francisco's Chinatown found that it contained 20 per cent eicosapentaenoic acid, which is more than is found in popular omega-3 food sources such as salmon,' he writes in his January 2025 article. This was also referenced in a 2007 Scientific America article, in which writer Cynthia Graber cites the 1989 study performed by California-based psychiatrist Richard Kunin. In her article, Graber writes that Kunin visited San Francisco's Chinatown to buy such snake oil and analyse it. He also acquired two live rattlesnakes and extracted their fat sacks to come up with the article he published in the Western Journal of Medicine in 1989. 'Chinese water-snake oil contains 20% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the two types of omega-3 fatty acids most readily used by our bodies. In comparison, the rattlesnakes had only 8.5% EPA. And salmon, one of the most popular food sources of omega-3s, contains a maximum of 18% EPA, lower than that of snake oil,' she writes. So with the research, maybe there's something to snake oil after all – as long as it's from the right snake, of course. References the-history-of-snake-oil article/snake-oil-salesmen- knew-something/
